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AS WRITTEN BY 



FRIEND A.I^r) FOE. 



^anxfilis-irLc^ IIlcl (PffUcLctL ^/tcLi^cs. cLn.cL ^izLcicn-CC Ln^a^e. 
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^rbitiJ for |lrt6Hf£ Cirrulaticru anb Jufurt %tituxvit, 

— BY — 

JA^MES Is/L. SANDERSON, 

LATE LIEUTENANT COLONEl/aDDITIONAL AIDE-DE-CAMP, AND CHIEF COMMISSARY 
, OF SUBSISTENCE OF THE FIRST ARMY CORPS. 




J/' ■ 

W. E. SIBELL, STATIONER AND PRINTER, No. 5 WALL STREET 
1865. 



0J;>-C 



^\.^ 



^ 



1> 



TO MY ENEMIES 

AND MY LUKE -WARM FRIENDS, 

I DEDICATE THIS BOOK. 



acknowledginff mjy indebtedness. 

tfiat I may prove fiow little I owe them. 

by their persistence in falsehood, and industry in wronff 
doing, have extorted my special wonder, 

by their unbecoming retice?ice and ungenerous silence, are 
entitled to my u?idisguised contempt. 

I tender my thanks for the substa?itial triumph they have 

afforded me. 

my regrets that they have proven false to themselves. 

my congratulations that they have failed alike in their 
active and passive injustice, in their positive 
and negative wrong. 

^Brooklyn, JVovember, 7866. 



INTEODUCTION. 



After enduring, for nearly eight months, the horrors of a 
Southern prison, I found myself, almost on the very morning 
of my enfranchisement, (with a heart overflowing Avith joy,, 
and sincerely thankful to that Providence wdiich had so mer- 
cifully protected me from the ills and dangers of my incarcera- 
tion,) suddenly stripped of my happiness, and my liberty 
again restricted by the action of my own Government — which, 
for three years, I had manfully striven to uphold. On the 
very point of returning to my family, I was arrested by an 
order of the Secretary of War, and directed to confine myself 
to the limits of Willard's hotel. Conscious of no crime, I 
cheerfully yielded to the orders of my superior officer — confid- 
ently believing that a brief period would place me in possession 
of the allegations against me, to which I had little doubt of 
making a satisfactory reply. The fact of my arrest being an- 
nounced in the public journals, my friends, both military and 
civil, hastened to express their confidence in my honor, by 
personal visits. Among them was one who, more conversant 
with military usage than myself, intimated that the course 
pursued in my case was unusual and severe. Outraged at this 
information, I immediately called on my former commander and 
always friend — James S. Wadsworth, then temporarily stop- 
ping at the hotel. Confiding to him my troubles, he at once 
sought the Secretary of War, and, after briefly stating my 
services and character, asked that I should be treated in a 
manner commensurate with my deserts. Strongly prejudiced 
against me by the slanders of my enemies, this gentleman not 



6 

<only refused his request, but threatened to send me to Fortress 
-Monroe — there to remain for the balance of the war. BeHev- 
ing him in earnest, my gallant defender immediately posted off 
to the proposed place of imprisonment, for the purpose of see- 
ing General Butler, my future custodian, and interesting him 
in my behalf. During his absence, however, I deemed it pro- 
per to address the following to the "War Office : — 

" Willards' Hotel, Sunday Eve'g, ) 
March 13, 1864. j 

^* Hon. E. M. Stanton, 

''Secretary of War — 

" Sir : After a confinement of seven months, in the most 
liorrid and loathsome prison known to modern times, I find 
myself, on my return to my own lines, the victim of a most 
cruel, cowardly, and infamous accusation, emanating solely 
from personal malevolence and petty jealousy. Arrested on 
the very threshold of my happiness, I learn that I have been 
released from one prison only to be immured in another. 

" The charges against me, let them proceed from whom they 
may, are of such a character as to require the most searching 
investigation ; and my purport, in thus addressing you, is to 
say that, whilst courting — nay, demanding — the most thorough 
•scrutiny, and placing myself unreservedly and uncomplain- 
ingly at the disposition of my government, I would most re- 
spectfully submit that, two years and a half service in the 
field — facing the enemy — entitles me to a belief in my inno- 
cence, and the treatment due thereto, until the impartial ver- 
dict of a military tribunal may decide otherwise. 
" Very respectfully, 

" Your obed't servant, 

" JAMES M. SANDERSON, 
''Lt. Col. a S. V." 

After a delay of forty-eight hours, I was waited upon by 
Capt. W. T. Hartz, A. A. G-. to Col. Hoffman, Commissary 
General of Prisoners, who served upon me the following 
order : — 



" Office of the Comm'y Gen. of Prisoners, ) 
Washington, D. C, March 15, 1864. j" 

•** Lt. Col. J. M. Sanderson, 

''Comm'y Sub. U.S. v., 

Washington, D. C. — 

"Colonel : By authority of the Secretary of War, you are 
Tiereby reheved from your arrest, and permitted to return to 
your home, on condition that you give your parole of honor 
not to leave there without authority ; and that you will be 
prepared to meet at any time or place any charges that may he 
^preferred against you by any officer who was a prisoner of war 
with you in Richmond. 

" Very respectfully, &c., 

" W. HOFFMAN, Col. Third Inf'y, 

''Comm'y Gen. of Prisoners.'''' 

Readily accepting this condition, I signed the parole, and 
immediately started for home. On reaching New- York, greatly 
to my amusement and the astonishment of my friends, I learned 
through the newspapers that I was then on my way to Fort 
Warren. In order to correct this misstatement, I published the 
following card, addressed to the different editors : — 

"Pierrepont House, Brooklyn, ) 
March 18, 1864. f 

'" Sir : In order to relieve the minds of those who have a 
Teal interest in my welfare, allow me to sa}^ that I have been 
released from arrest; and am not on my way to Fort Warren 
or any other prison. 

"As regards the charges brought against me, my friends, by 
their generous advocacy, have shown that they need no denial 
thereof ; but, to the public at large, I would simply state that 
they never had any foundation save in the base imagination 
of one who, having proven himself recreant to his country 
:and his God, is eminently capable of any falsehood calculated 
'to direct attention from his own shortcomings. 

"Although a momentary sufferer by the action of the mili- 
tary authorities, I am, nevertheless, proud to serve a govern- 
ment which thus shows its determination to watch with jeal- 
ous eye the conduct of its officers,wherever they may be ; and 
shall have every cause of complaint removed if I am affordecj 



8 

an early opportunity of explaining my whole conduct as an 
oflScer and a gentleman while in the hands of the enemy. 
" Very respectfully, &c., 

" JAS. M. SANDERSON, 

"i^. Cot. d G. s. r." 

Early in May, the Government officially promulgated the 
exchange of all prisoners, to the 7th of that month. Having 
periodically advised the Department to which I belonged (the 
Subsistence) of my position and whereabouts, I nevertheless 
considered it my duty to address the following communica- 
tion to the Adjutant General's office : — 



"Pierrepont House, Brookly 
May 16, 1864. 



iN,\ 



" Col. E. D. TowNSEND, A. A. G., 
" War Department, 

"Washington, D. C. — 

" Colonel : Informed through the daily papers of this date 
that an Exchange has been declared of all prisoners paroled 
prior to May 7th, I hasten to lay before you the copy of an 
order which condemns me to remain here indefinitely, awaiting 
confirmation of charges which have no foundation save in the 
base imagination of a cowardly slanderer. 

" You will perceive by the wording of that order that I am 
required to remain at my home, and hold myself ' prepared to 
meet, at any time or place, any charges that may be preferred 
against me by any officer who was a prisoner of war with me 
in Richmond.' Two months have now elapsed, and the bit- 
terest of my enemies are at this moment within the control of 
the Government ; and as none of them have yet dared to add 
perjury to their other crimes, the probabilities are that the 
war will be finished before I can establish my innocence or 
prove by my future conduct the utter falsity of their insinua- 
tions. 

" Engaged in this contest as a matter of religion, and proud 
of the commission I have the honor to hold, I do not desire to 
remain in the rear during these stirring times, or retain that 
commission as a sinecure as long as there is anything to be 
done suited to my capacity or my strength ; and I, therefore,, 
most respectfully but earnestly request that I may be, at the 
earliest practicable moment, either trusted or tried — feeling 



fully conscious of my ability to prove by either test my loyalty 
to my Government, and my devotion to the cause of unity and 
Freedom. 

" Very respectfully, &c., 

"JAS. M. SANDERSON, 

Lt Col. d C. S. V. 

To this no response was given until the 18th June following, 
when I saw in the Army and Navy Journal the announcement 
of my dismissal. Stunned and humiliated for the moment by 
this most summary and unjust proceeding, I again addressed 
Col. Townsend, as follows : 

" 82 Wall St., New-York. ] 
June 18, 1864. [ 
" Col. E. D. Townsend, A. A. G., 

" Washington, D. C. — 

" Colonel : I have the honor to state that, in the Army and 
Navy Journal of this date, I hnd the following announce- 
ment : — ■ 

"^Dismissals, for the tveeh ending June 11, 1864. — Lieut, Col. 
James M. Sanderson, Captain Commissary Subsistence, U. S. 
Vols. : to date June 6, 1864.' 

" My object in addressing you is, to inquire if this announce- 
ment is official ; and, if so, whether I have not the right to 
hnoio the charges on which this action of my Government is 
based ? 

" I would also respectfully call your attention to the fact 
that I hold a commission as Major and additional Aid-de-Camp 
dated July 15, 1862 ; and would ask if that commission is em- 
braced in the order dismissing me ? Awaiting your answer, 
" I am, very respectfully, &c., 

" J. M. SANDERSON, 

"L^. Col. & C. S. F." 

After another delay of ten days, a printed order reached me,, 
containing the following : — 



'Special Orders, 



10 

Washington, June 23, 1864 



kd Orders, \ 
No. 217. [ 



WarDepXAdft GenTs Office, \ 



[Extract.] 



" 7. — Paragraph 32, of Special Orders No. 201, from this 
'Office, dated June 8, 1864, dismissing Lieut. CoL James M. 
Sanderson, Captain and Commissary of Subsistence, U. S. 
Vols., is hereby amended, to read as follows : — 

" ' By direction of the President, Lieut. Col. James M. San- 
derson, Major, Additional Aid-de-Camp, and Captain Commis- 
missary of Subsistence, U. S. Vols., is hereby dismissed the 
service of the United States : to take effect from June 6, 
1864.' 

" By order of the Secretary of War, 

" E. D. tOWNSEND, 

''Asst Adft GenV 
[Official,] 
(Signed) " E. D. Townsend, 

''Ass't Adft Gen'l. 

" To Mr. James M. Sanderson, 

"iVo. 82 Wall St., 

" New- York City." 

This, although conclusive, was neither satisfactory nor re- 
sponsive. I determined, therefore, to visit Washington, and 
ascertain, if possible, the causes of this unmerited disgrace. 
On my arrival, I called at the office of the Adjutant General, 
where, after several applications, I received a flat refusal to 
my request to be furnished with a copy of the charges against 
me — being referred to a printed order, requiring all such de- 
mands to be made direct to the Secretary of War. In obedi- 
ence to this, I immediately wrote to Mr. Stanton a communi- 
cation — reciting, in brief, my services, my experiences, and 
my desires. After a reasonable delay, receiving no reply, I 
determined to refer the matter to his Excellency, the Presi- 
dent of the United States ; and, having armed myself with a 
tetter of introduction from the Hon. H. B. Anthony, Senator 



11 

from Rhode Island, (a copy of which I append,) I called at the 
White House : — 

"Senate Chamber, \ 



July 2, 1864. 



■" To THE PeESIDENT OF THE UNITED StATES- 



" Sir : Lt. Col. James M. Sanderson informs me that he has 
been summarily dismissed the service, without a trial and 
without a knowledge of the charges against him. 

" I have long known Col. Sanderson — and have regarded 
him as a man of high honor, of unquestionable loyalty, and as 
having rendered valuable service. I cannot believe, in the 
absence of evidence, that he has been guilty of any offence, 
deserving of so harsh punishment ; and I hope he will be al- 
lowed an opportunity to answer charges against him. 

" I am confident that your sense of justice will recognize 
the reasonableness of this request, ivhich is all he asks. The 
late Gen. Wadsworth, I know, had a high opinion of Col. 
'Sanderson, and I have heard him express it in emphatic 
terms. 

" Yery respectfully, 

" Your obed't serv't, 
(Signed) "H.B.ANTHONY." 

Three days I danced attendance in the waiting-hall of the 
Presidential mansion ; but, owing to various circumstances, 
without obtaining access to His Excellency. Thinking the 
letter might prove an "open sesame," I sent that in with my 
card ; but, just at that moment, information being brought of 
the unexpected arrival of Gen. Early, C. S. A., I was obliged 
'to await the movements of this unwelcome visitor — even vol- 
unteering to assist in his reception. My services not being 
needed, and the whole Government being too much occupied 
In attending to the subject matter in hand, I concluded, by 
advice of friends, to return home and "bide my time." In 
the meanwhile, however, I deemed it my duty to keep myself 
fresh in the memory of the Honorable Secretary of War, by 
repeating my request for information and trial regularly every 
month. I also addressed a communication to the Hon. C. A. 
Dana, Assist't Secretary of War, with whom I had a personal 



12 

acquaintance of years ; but from neither of these gentlemen 
could I obtain any reply. 

One day, in October, walking through Broadway, I acciden- 
tally encountered my friend, Senator Anthony, who informed 
me that he was the recipient of a letter from the War Depart- 
ment, referring to my matters. This, on his return home, he 
sent me — and was as follows : — 

" Wai' Department, ) 
Sept. 1864. \ 
" Hon. H. B. Anthony, 

""Senate Chamber — 

" Sir : I am directed by the Secretary of War to acknow- 
ledge receipt of your communication to the President of the 
United States — asking that James M. Sandekson, late Lt. Col. 
and Commissary Subsistence may he permitted to he heard in his 
oion defence : and to inform you that the application lias heen 
denied by the President. 

" Very respectfully, 

"JAMES A. HARDIE. 

"Co/., d-c." 

Undismayed by this refusal, I again visited Washington, 
and after several days delay, at length succeeded in obtaining 
an interview with the President, to whom I recited my case in 
as few words as possible, and showed him the letter sent to 
Mr. Anthony. Endorsing it to the Judge-Advocate-General, 
he requested me to call again. This, after an interview with 
Judge Holt, I did, and was again referred to him with the 
promise that if I could get the Judge to advise my being sent 
before a Military Commission, in ivriting, it should be done.. 
On stating this to Judge Holt, he positively refused to accede 
to it, on the ground that " a report had already been made to^ 
the President in this case, in which the evident tendency was. 
to such a reference, and the President would so find it if he. 
would take the trouble to read it. This was the extent of his 
duty, and he would not go further. It was neither proper nor 
respectful for him to dictate to the President what course he 
should pursue," and to all my intreaties he was deaf and un- 
moved. I again sought the President, and luckily obtained. 



13 

an interview without difficulty. On learning, however, the 
opinion of the Judge-Advocate-General, he curtly informed me 
that he could do nothing for me ; but finally, after an inter- 
view of half an hour, he reluctantly consented, and wrote an 
order sending me before the Military Commission, then in ses- 
sion at Washington. Obtaining from the Secretary of War 
his immediate approval, I waited upon the Court thus se- 
lected, and found it composed of Brigadier-General John C. 
'Caldwell, U. S. Vols., President, and Lieutenant-Colonel G, W. 
Patten, U. S. A. (subsequently relieved by Colonel G. A, H. 
Blake, 1st Cavalry,) his associate, and Captain G. H. Caldwell, 
Recorder. By these gentlemen I was most courteously re- 
ceived, and most patiently heard, and as soon as they were 
furnished with the papers in the case, they placed them at my 
disposal. Then, for the first time, was I made acquainted with 
the nature of the charges, and the names of my accusers, and 
I have yet to decide which caused me the greater astonishment. 
To be blackened b}' Streight, to be calumniated by Atwood, 
was bad enough, yet could be borne; but to be dishonored at 
the fiat of Neal Dow, was a degradation for which I was quite 
unprepared. 

Asking from the Commission some authority, whereby to 
■enforce evidence from unwilling witnesses, I was astonished to 
find no such power was vested in them ; in fact, all they could 
do was to hear such testimony as I could personally obtain, or 
my friends voluntarily furnish. 

There being no limit assigned to the time for collecting m}^ 
testimony, I returned to my home, and immediately set myself 
to work. Taking the statements of Neal Dow and Corporal 
Taylor as a basis, and adding thereto all the slanders and ca- 
lumnious reports that had come to my ears, I addressed to 
such officers as I could recollect or hear of from others, a series 
of questions, the replies to which I requested them to embody 
in form of a consecutive narrative, made on honor, to be re- 
turned to me at their earliest convenience. In selecting these 
parties, I was entirely uninfluenced by fear or favor. Every 
man capable, in my opinion, of telling the truth was addressed; 
and, as will be seen, some of them did not hesitate to state that 



14 

they had been my enemies, and did not agree with me in sen- 
timent or opinion, during our imprisonment. In framing my 
questions I was obhged to confine myself, in most cases, to 
such matters as I had reason to think came within the imme- 
diate cognizance of the party addressed, and in every case I 
was forced to rely upon my remembrance of their associations- 
and surroundings ; for, whilst I feared nothing that any one 
would truthfully state, of his. own knowledge, as to my per- 
sonal conduct, I was obliged to be cautious in drawing out 
opinions which might be construed unfavorably, owing to the 
great difficulty of arriving at the true character of the circum- 
stances on which these opinions were formed. Face to face 
with a witness,'it is not a difficult task to compel him to quali- 
fy his statements, even though he be most anxious to injure 
you ; but men do not always care to unbosom their secret rea- 
sons for hostility or bias, unless compelled under the sanctity 
of an oath, before two or more calm, unprejudiced, and scruti- 
nizing judges. Even Neal Dow would have paused before 
enunciating many of the charges, so cheerfully narrated in his 
letter, and Corporal Taylor would have slunk like a whipped 
dog, before reciting his own shame. Could I have been per- 
mitted to put all or any of my bitterest foes, Dow, Streight, 
Atwood, or Taylor, on the stand, and subject them to the ordeal 
of a cross-examination, I would not have required the evidence 
of a single friend to exonerate me from any of the charges 
alleged, unless they had deliberately committed perjury. And 
no greater triumph could have been afforded me than the satis- 
faction of drawing from Dow a history of his operations in 
Louisiana ; a minute account of that celebrated Avound received 
(where ?) and a list of the contents of those tioo large heavy 
tnmJcs brought from Libby — to say nothing of the advantage 
to military science to be derived from the recital of Streight's. 
raid into Georgia: how he fought Forrest first, and then forced 
him toj buy his horses before surrendering ; with his peculiar 
views on discipline, and his experience in mounting infantry. 
But lacking the means to obtain these ends, truth and strategy 
must suffer, unless this pure philanthropist, and doughty hero, 
moved to voluntary compliance, enlighten an ignorant people^ 
and an enquiring world. 



15 

From the list annexed of the number of letters addressed, it 
will be seen that many officers have not responded. This is 
due to more than one cause. In many cases the letters from 
me to them miscarried, or worse yet, their replies when made, 
never reached me, — others again have procrastinated until 
forgetfulness or shame rendered them unwilling, — others, in- 
fluenced no doubt by ill feeling toAvards me, and at the same 
time fearing to exhibit an active enmity, have sullenly refrain- 
ed from all notice of my communication, knowing that I could 
not compel a reply, whilst another and a meaner class, thinking- 
their testimony of more value than it really possessed, refused 
to give any information unless compelled by an official order, 
or a summons to attend in person. 

To the procrastinating I extend my pity ; to the inimical, 
my defiance ; whilst for the hide-bound I reserve my most un- 
mitigated contempt. 

To the opposite and nobler class, who have manfully and 
consistently stood by me through good and evil report, by words 
and actions, by public avowals and private intimations, I can. 
only return my warmest and sincerest thanks. 

" All are not just, because they do no wrong ; 
But he who will not wrong me when he may, 
He is the truly just." 

The ordeal through which I have passed has been a severe 
one. Conscious of having committed no wrong, I was quite 
unprepared to find myself accused of crime. Condemned 
without a trial, and punished before being heard, I found my- 
self placed in the anomalous position of being obliged to prove 
myself innocent of charges that had never been substantiated. 
Struck down by official zeal, in undue haste, I found, even in 
the highest, a disinclination to revise or redress. When forced 
by persistence and argument to grant a hearing, not the 
slightest executive aid was afforded, nor the least authority of 
the law permitted to support the right or confute the false. 
Deprived of all pay, private means were drained to reform a 
public wrong ; but in spite of every obstacle, I succeeded in 
obtaining a mass of testimony on every point, save one, and 



16 

that of very minor importance, which in the month of Febru- 
ary was placed before the Commission. This evidence, with 
my own statement and defence, form the subject matter of 
this book ; and in putting it forth I have been guided simply 
and solely by what I deem to be an imperative duty, not only 
to myself and my friends, but especially to my posterity. Re- 
ceiving from my ancestors a name untarnished, it is obliga- 
tory on me to transmit it unsullied. 

Treason to one's country has, at least, the merit of grandeur 
in its villainy ; but treachery to one's comrades has not even 
that poor excuse. It is craven, contemptible, and unmitigated 
meanness — commending itself only to the pettiest thief and 
most cowardly calumniator. To devise such vileness is wor- 
thy only of the most debased ; to charge it, unsubstantiated, 
on an innocent comrade, demands a still lower depth of degra- 
dation. The coward, who wronged his trusting country, by a 
dishonorable surrender; and the thief, who despoiled his suffer- 
ing mates by a despicable larceny^may felicitate themselves 
on such an achievement ; but, short of them, I know of no 
other living thing capable of it. That I could be guilty of 
such a crime, I am proud to say, never for one moment ob- 
tained credence in the mind of a single honorable man that 
knew me. 

With my enemies — of whom I have my fair share ; with 
the envious — who are greedy of slander ; or with the world 
at large — to whom I am quite unknown — so gross a calumny 
Ijas doubtless been received with avidity ; and, borne as it 
was to all quarters of the country by means of the telegraph 
and public journals, it must inevitably be treasured up against 
my name for all time, and appear to my discomfort, or that of 
my descendants, at most inopportune moments. Many, who 
have heard and remembered the charge, will probably never 
hear the exculpation : I, who never seek for popular favor, 
Dor ask, unofTered, any man's friendship, may personally de- 
rive no injury and suffer no discredit ; but those who come 
after me may live in times when, to hold office, may be deemed 
honorable — and to them is due some record, whereby they 
mav refute the slanderer or silence a foe. 



1JI 

•' The honors of a name 'tis just to guard- - 
They are a trust but leut u», which we take ; 
And should, in reverence to the donor's fame, 
With care transmit them down to other hands." 

Mingled with the most heartfelt thanks to that High and 
Mighty Power, who directs and shapes the minds of men, is 
the just pride that the triumphant result I have achieved is 
due to my sole and unaided eflbrts. Fortunate in the friend- 
ship of hosts of worthy and influential gentlemen ; upheld, 
during my year, pf terrible probation, by the strong moral 
support afforded me by their confidence and respect — not a 
single man among them, save the Hon. H. B. Anthony, (and 
he only for the purpose of procuring me a hearing,) has asked 
or sought to obtain the slightest favor or privilege from the 
Government or the Commission ; but, whilst I can truthfully 
say — 

"Alone. I did it !"' 

I gratefully confess that, to my dear friend and former com- 
panion in arms, George F. Noyes, Esq., I am deeply indebted 
for advice, assistance, and good counsel. To him is due what- 
ever of order and proper classification may be found in my 
defence ; whilst to his good taste and judgment may be as- 
scribed the elimination of much bitterness and resentful feel- 
ing towards my opponents. 

To the Honorable Secretary of War I cannot refrain from 
expressing my acknowledgments for the very complimentary 
terms he has been pleased to employ in the wording of his 
decision — almost compensating (if anything could) for the 
year of suffering and humiliation I have endured. 

To the gentlemen composing the Military Commission, I am 
under the deepest obligations for the unvarying kindness and 
courtesy extended to me, and the patience with which they 
heard and investigated the lengthy documents placed before 
them. And, finally, to the officers of the Adjutant General's 
office, from the highest to the lowest, with Avhom I came in 
contact, I tender my thanks for the interest exhibited and the 
attention bestowed, at a moment and in a manner so oppor- 
tune and grateful. 

Brooklyn, Nov., 1865. 



18 



CHARGES AND SPECIFICATIONS 

Against James M. Sanderson, an ofificer in the service of the 
United States, conveyed through the medium of ix familiar 
letter from a Brigadier General in the Volunteer Service to 
a Major General in the Regular Service. 

Portland, April 4, 1864. 

General, — I am this moment in receipt of your note of the 
1st., inquiring if I have any information touching the conduct 
of Lieut. Col. Sanderson, late a prisoner of war at Richmond. 

I am informed of a great deal of his conduct at Richmond, 
and took much interest in it, because I tJiought he ought to be 
dismissed from the service. Tlie conviction among the offi- 
cers generally was, that ho was disloyal, had little or no sym- 
pathy with our cause, but much for the rebels. On that point 
I think Col. Streight is particularly informed. 

Soon after I came to Richmond from Mobile in October, I 
learned much of his sayings and doings, and had therefore no 
intercourse with him, tliough my quarters were very near 
his. 

After my protest to Gen. Winder against the cruel treat- 
ment of our soldiers at Belle Island, I was not permitted to 
visit them any more, and the business of distributing the 
clothing to the soldiers — all of which was sent to me, — was put 
into his hands. Thus for weeks he came into daily contact 
with the soldiers there, and his conduct to them was always 
harsh and cruel. Once a poor fellow applied for some clothes, 
■ — he was ver}^ miserable with cold and hunger, — Sanderson 
said : " Damn you, didn't I tell you if you came again I'd kick 
you?" He then turned him round, kicked him, and followed 
him with repeated kicks. 

Capt. Atwood, 16th Maine, Lieut. Col. Archer, and others 
saw this ! 



19 

One poor fellow barefooted, asked for shoes, and received 
curses instead. Capt. Atwood saw this. The next day but 
one Capt. Atwood saw the same man brought out in a blanket, 
with his feet badly frozen. I think he suffered amputation. 

The Rebel lieutenant in charge remonstrated with Sander- 
son for his harsh and cruel treatment of the soldiers in pre- 
sence of Atwood. 

His intercourse with the soldiers was always ivith oaths, and 
curses, and hitter revilings. Many of these poor fellows he 
caused to be bucked and gagged. And this to half starved and 
half frozen men, who had left friends, business, and comfortable 
homes, in some cases hixurious homes, to lielp save their coun- 
try from being blotted out from the map of nations. Many of 
these men were educated gentlemen. 

On one occasion, (a cold day,) a squad of men, half starved 
and pinched with cold, came out for clothes. At the head of 
the line, to be served first, Avas a soldier— thin and blue, curled 
up and shivering — his hands in liis poor apologies for pockets. 
With oaths and curses, Sanderson demanded why lie did not 
take the position of a soldier ; and drove tlie poor wretch to 
the tail of the line — to Avait a long hour or two, as a punish- 
ment. 

Early last fall, we had arrangements nearly perfected for 
breaking out and capturing the city. We had about 1,000 
officers and about 1 0,000 soldiers there, and were carelessly 
guarded. Suddenly, we saw two pieces of artillery planted 
near and bearing on us, and some companies of soldiers sta- 
tioned in front of the prison. Soon we learned that Col. San- 
derson had betrayed us to the Rebels. The indignation of 
the officers was very great ; but it was finally allayed, upon 
assurances that there was no intention of communicating the 
secret beyond our own officers in the hospital. 0/ these mat- 
ters I am not personlhj cognizant, but tliinh Col. Streight will be 
able to substantiate them. 

After Col. Streight's unsuccessful attempt to escape, he was 
put into a dark, damp, and cold cell under-ground, in irons, 
and supplied only with corn bread and water. While he re- 
mained in that position. Col. Sanderson told some Rebel offi- 



2p 

cers that Streight had organized a plan to break out, capture, 
and destroy the city. This was told in presence of some of 
our officers — of whom Capt. Atwood, I thinlc, was one. 

Lt. Col. Archer and Capt. Atwood were often with Col. 
Sandeeson, at Belle Isle, and saw a great deal of him. 

The U. S. Sanitary Commission sent a great quantity of sup- 
plies to me, for distribution; but the Rebels put them into the 
hands of Col. Sanderson. Only a small part of them was dis- 
tributed ; I am confident that a part of them was given to the 
Rebels by Col. Sanderson, besides what they stole ; and Col. 
Sanderson appropriated to his own use a case of egg-nogg 
that was marked for the hospital. 

Col. Sanderson Avas constantly defending the Rebels, and 
justifying them in their treatment of our soldiers — averring 
that they were properly, treated. Some of this I heard on one 
occasion, and interposed with the facts at Belle Isle which ex- 
isted under his observation. 

Col. Di Cesnola of the Fourth [New-York Cavalry — an offi- 
cer of the Sardinian Army, and thoroughly true to our service 
and the cause — saw, heard, and knew much of Col. Sanderson, 
their quarters being very near each other. Col. Cesnola, for 
the last two or three months, held no communication Avhat ever 
with him — so certain was his conviction of his infidelity to the 
country. Col. Di Cesnola's address is — 130 Madison Avenue. 
He Avill gladly furnish any information in his possession, as he 
believes the good of the service requires Col. Sanderson's 
dismissal from it. 

I have written to Capt. Atwood, at Gardiner, Maine — asking 
him to send you immediately full details of everything within 
his knowledge on this subject, with the names of other wit- 
nesses. I am not acquainted Avith the address of Lt. Col. 
Archer, but think he is of a Kentucky regiment. 

My conviction was that Col. Sanderson had no sympathy 
with the Union cause. His conversation, so far as I knew of 
it, indicated a decided hostility to the administration, and to 
its measures ; and certainly he manifested no kindly feeling 
towards our soldiers, who were suffering so much in their 
country's service. By our officers, generally, at Richmond 



lie was regarded with distrust. Very few of them had any 
intercourse with him, and great care was used to keep every 
matter from his knowledge that we wished to keep from the 
Rebels. 

I have thus answered your inquiries, in a familiar way, to 
the best of my knowledge, tho' I might add a great quantity 
of similar matter. 

Very respectfully yours, 

NEAL DOW, 

Brig. Gen'l. 
Major-Gen'l. E. A. Hitchcock, 
Gomm'r for Exchange of Prisoners, 

Washington, D. C. 



MEMORANDUM OF 

Statement made by Corp. W. A. Taylor, Co. E, Sixth N. Y. 
Cavalry. 

Was taken prisoner at the battle of Bristoe Station, (or the 
day after,) 14th day of October, 1863 ; was sent to Richmond, 
and was among the prisoners at Belle Isle. He was at Belle 
Isle when our Q-overnment, a few months since, sent supplies 
of clothing and provisions to Union prisoners in Richmond. 
Gen. Neal Dow was employed at first, with some others under 
him, to distribute to the prisoners these supplies. He was 
employed in this about four or five days, when Col. Cesnola 
with one other officer, took the place of Gen. Dovv^, and con- 
tinued about two or three weeks : these officers issued neither 
provisions or clothing ; they made rolls of the men, showing 
what they wanted. During much of this time, the boxes of 
supplies sent by the Government were piled up on the Island, 
and many of them were broken open at night, as he supposes, 
by the Rebels— because they were outside of the enclosure 
where the prisoners were confined. After this, Col. San'der- 
SON was employed to deliver the supplies — assisted, from time 
.to time, by another Federal officer. He was employed two or 



22 

three hours a day, for some three months. During this time, 
he issued no provisions at alL Col. Sanderson was very harsh 
in his treatment of the men. Dnring this time, he (Taylor) 
was with Col. Sanderson, under his orders, assisting in the 
delivery of the supplies of clothing. 

Occasionally, a man or so would come out and ask for par- 
ticular articles ; and he has heard Col. Sanderson repeatedly 
use harsh language towards them, and order them away — call- 
ing them "dirty fellows;" and, very often, he has seen him 
kick them ; and he has heard him order some of the men to 
be bucked. The men were suflering ver}- much from cold 
and the want of provisions. Col. Sanderson seemed to liave 
no patience with them : he seemed to use them more like 
brutes than like men. The reason why he ordered them to 
be bucked, as he supposes, was that they liad sold some of 
their clothing for the purpose of obtaining food. A consider- 
able number of the Rebel guards were clothed in the United 
States' clothing, much of which was obtained from the Union 
soldiers — as he (Taylor) supposed, in exchange for provisions ; 
but not all of it, for he saw Col. Sanderson give some of it 
away to the Rebels — especially did he see the Colonel give 
to one man an overcoat. 

Out of the coffee and sugar sent by the Federal Govern- 
ment, the prisoners received coffee and sugar twice — I mean^ 
for two mornings, and no more ; the balance was otherwise 
disposed of. He (Taylor) saw a Rebel Quarter-master cross 
the river with a quantity of the public supplies, in a boat 
marked for Fredericksburg. Is persuaded in his own mind 
that a large quantity of such supplies were consumed by the 
Rebels, and saw the guard eating them. 

Adds, that be saw Col. Sanderson very intimate with some 
of the Rebel officers, and appeared to have private conversa- 
tions with them ; but did not know what passed upon those 
occasions. Have seen Col. Sanderson standing with Rebel 
officers — when some of the Union prisoners would approach,, 
with their hands in their pockets, in rags and tatters ; and 
Col. Sanderson, instead of commiserating their condition,. 
would seem to make sport of them, and order them to take 



23 

their hands out of their pockets Corp. Taylor thinks that 
Serg. Hill could also make a statement similar to the above, 
for he was employed with himself in delivering clothing under 
Col. Sanderson's order : the Sergeant belongs to Co. K, same 
regiment. 

The above is a true statement — 

W. A. TAYLOR, 

Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 
Washington City, April 1, 1804. 



STATEMENT op Lt. Col. J. M. SANDERSON. 

I hereby state, on honor, that on the 20th day of July, ISGS^ 
whilst marching from the field of Gettysburg, Pa., into Vir- 
ginia, I was requested by Major Wm. Russell, Jr., Acting 
Ass't Adj't General, of the First Corps, to accompany liim in 
search for a ford over a deep, swift stream, called Goose Creek. 
Having obtained permission from the Major Gen'l Comm'g, 
John Newton, we proceeded on our mission. The first cross- 
ing we examined, proving too strong and too deep for either 
artillery or infantry, we retraced our steps, and halting the 
column, ere turning out of the main road, set forth again to 
seek another which was represented as being superior. After 
a detour of nearly five miles, we finally reached the object of 
our search, and while the Major was writing a despatch to 
send back to the General, I crossed the ford, for the purpose 
of testing it. Finding it all that could be desired, I returned 
to my companion, who had sent off his message, and was qui- 
etly watering his horse near the middle of the stream, the 
only remaining orderly being near him. Reporting to him the 
result of my investigation, and debating as to whether we 
should await the arrival of the Corps, or proceed on our road, 
we were startled by an unearthly yell, which, as we soon dis- 
covered, came from a band of guerillas, who, under cover of 
the noise arising from the mill-dam, and hidden by the thick 
foliage of the trees which fringed the road on the opposite 
side of the creek, had stolen upon us unawares. Being twelve 
in number and armed to the teeth, resistance on our part was- 



24 

in vain. Having disai'uied us, we were carried to Culpepper, 
and subsequently taken to Richmond. Here we were placed 
in the celebrated and infamous den known as " Libby Prison," 
with about six hundred other Federal officers. At this period, 
the space allotted to this class of prisoners of war. comprised 
three lofts, each 100 by 40 feet, on the third or upper floor, 
and one on the second of similar dimensions. The latter was 
occupied mostly by officers of Milroy's command, the apart- 
ment over it being set apart, for Col. A. D. Streight, and his 
immediate companions, with some few cavalry officers taken 
during the fight in June. These two rooms constituted one 
department, known as the " Western," and were for a time 
under Col. Streight's command, although he was not the rank- 
ing oflicer. The other two lofts were mainly devoted to the 
prisoners taken at the battle of Gettysburg and subsequently, 
most of them belonging to the Army of the Potomac. These 
constituted the " Eastern Department," and were under the 
direction of Col. Charles W. Tilden, of the 16th Maine, the 
ranking officer. Into this section m}'' companion and myself 
were turned loose, by the prison official, who kindly advised 
us to select the softest plank we could find, and make ourselves 
comfortable. Immediately on our arrival we were placed in 
full knowledge of the nature of our prison fare, by scores of 
willing relators, who I will do them the justice to say, on that 
point did not exaggerate. On making a reconnoisance the 
next day, we soon discovered that the best portion of our 
prison-house was reserved for the residents in Straight's room, 
every one of them having the undivided half of a hunh, with 
all the privileges and stock thereunto appertaining. As no other 
apartment possessed seats of any kind, and as a grateful south- 
western breeze visited it at almost every hour of the da.y and 
night, it became in a measure, the lounging hall of the heat- 
oppressed and heart-sick prisoner. 

In this department they enjoyed another privilege, which, 
up to the time of my arrival, had been denied the Eastern 
-section, that of preparing their own food. A few days after, 
however, this defect was remedied, and stoves being placed at 
one end of the centre apartment, rations of meat, rice, and 



25 

beans, were served us uncooked. Luckily for my comrades, 
but unfortunately for me, as the result has proven, my repu- 
tation as a hotel-keeper and amateur cook being known, I was 
solicited to superintend the culinary and messing arrange- 
ments, and teach my brother officers how to prepare their 
food. Having pledged me active co-operation, and proper 
subordination, I accepted this very arduous position. The 
company being divided into twelve messes of from 18 to 20 
each, I apportioned each stove, there being but three, to four 
messes, allowing one hour to prepare breakfast, and three 
hours for dinner. The tables also were parcelled out, so as to 
prevent interference, or collision between the various parties. 
The utensils being limited to our most primitive necessities, 
the least interruption or delay in preparing the meals caused 
much inconvenience and wrangling. Avery short experience 
convinced me that but little dependence was to be placed on 
the forbearance or courtesy of my fellow-prisoners, one to the 
other, and feeling some pride in carrying out successfully the 
task assigned me, I was forced to obtain from the prison 
authorities the official approval of my regulations, which were 
carefully digested, clearl}) written, and conveniently posted, 
so " that he that runs might read." Thus fortified, I took my 
stand, among the earliest, by the fire, and "from early dawn 
to dewy eve," for nearly three months, was ever to be found 
at m}' post, teaching the uninformed, advising the willing, 
directing the erring, and curbing the wrong-headed. The one, 
before salting his soup, sought me ; the other, doubtful as to 
his progress, took counsel with me ; the third, demurring at 
robbing his mixture of its traditionary grease, disputed my 
philosophy ; whilst the fourth, seeking only his own comfort, 
tested my endurance, and endeavored to break through my 
discipline. Every new-comer served an apprenticeship under 
my hands ; and every difficulty was subjected to my arbitra- 
ment ; and for a time so well did this system work, that the 
Western department, which had formerly been the object of 
our envy, suddenly became emulous of our comfort, and sought, 
by adopting our system, to rid themselves of a spirit of insub- 
ordination, which threatened to sweep away all authority, but 
that of force. 



-iJ6 

Some opposition being evinced, and an unanimous invitation 
being indispensable to my acceptance, a meeting was called, 
at which the officers comprising the smaller messes, foremost 
among them Col. Streight, succeeded in interposing so many- 
obstacles that the whole thing was abandoned in disgust, and 
disorder and selfishness reigned thenceforth triumphant. Sub- 
sequent to this, during a political discussion between Col. 
Streight and another officer, the former made a most outra- 
geous statement, which he called upon me, an nninterested 
listener, to endorse. This I not only declined, but even re- 
fused to believe. Infuriated by this unexpected rebuff, he 
forgot what little manners he was possessed of, and loudly 
branded me " as a knave or a fool." Somewhat puzzled as to 
what course to pursue, under the circumstances, with such a 
burly and brutal antagonist, I remained perfectly silent for a 
few minutes, until emboldened by my supposed cowardice, he 
repeated the offensive epithets three times. Unable to endure 
this longer I quickly rose from my seat on the floor, and ap- 
proaching him as near as was possible, made this reply :. 
" Col. Streight there is a certain amount of respect due from 
my rank to yours, wliich I am always ready to accord, but you 
have now passed the limit beyond which no man can go Avith 
impunity ; I therefore proclaim you a liar and a coicard !"' 
From that day to this no other words have passed between 
this officer and myself. Generally condemned, as far as I 
could learn, by every one whose opinion was worth havings 
Col. Streight omitted no opportunity of abusing and vilifying 
me behind my back, all of which I treated with silent con- 
tempt. 

At length, however, an event occurred which enabled him 
to regain his waning popularity, and turn the current of popu- 
lar opinion against me and my immediate friends. Taking 
advantage of the chronic complaints against the quantity of 
food issued us by our keepers, he addressed a letter to Gen. 
Winder, asserting that we were in the daily receipt of but 
half a pound of bread^ and a quarter of a pound of meat — 
which, he claimed, was totally inadequate to support life. 
Summoning the Commissary of the prison (a Mr. Burnham, 



27 

who bad then and subsequently given us many evidences of 
his sympathy) before him, tlio notorious Winder demanded 
why he had defrauded the prisoners of one-half the rations 
furnished by the Confederate Government. Indignantly de- 
nying the charge, Mr. Burnham promised to produce evidence 
of his honesty ; and, on returning to the prison, notified us 
that thereafter we must select an officer from each department 
in whom we had confidence— whose duty it should be to see 
the rations weighed, and superintend personally their transfer 
to the officers' quarters. 

From the "Eastern department'' Avas selected a Lt. Jones ; 
whilst, from the '•'Western," was chosen a Capt. McHollick,. 
an officer belonging to SljrigJd's own regiment. These gentle- 
men, thenceforth, presented themselves at the Commissary 
Department, every morning, with a requisition for eighteen 
ounces of bread and half a pound of fresh meat, for every 
officer or individual confined in the prison. In their presence 
the scales were tested; the required amount of food furnished;, 
and its transfer to the upper rooms, by agency of negi'oes, 
(also prisoners of War,) made under their supervision. As 
anxious as any one for an increase of rations ; and believing, 
in common with m}" comrades, that we were not receiving our 
full quota, I curiously awaited the first supply under the new 
order of things ; and was proportionately disappointed in 
finding the amount the same. Closely questioning the new 
Commissaries, I was satisfied in my own mind that we had 
erred, especially when each day's supplies confirmed the fact. 
Many of the officers, however, stoutly contended we were re- 
ceiving more ; but they were not in a position to judge ;. 
whilst I, having occasion to see the exact quantity delivered 
to each mess and subsequently put into the soup pots, could, 
speak " by the book." At length, a proper time having 
elapsed, Mr. Burnham demanded from the Commissaries a cer- 
tificate to the effect that he had not only delivered the exact 
amount as required, during the time specified, but that (as far 
as they could judge) he had done so for some time previous.. 
This they not only acceded to, but went further — too far, in 
my opinion : by saying that there was a general satisfaction. 



*28 

among the prisoners on the subject of their treatment by all 
the officers attached to the prison. This certificate, thus 
worded, was brought up stairs by Mr. Burnham to Col. Til- 
den and myself, in our official capacity as commandant of the 
room and director of the kitchen. Mr. Burnham being a per- 
fect stranger to me, of course I had no bias in his favor ; and, 
after reading Lt. Jones' certificate, frankly professed my wil- 
lingness to endorse it as far as I was personally concerned, 
but did not feel justified in speaking for any other officer ; 
and Col. Tilden, when referred to, coincided with me. Anx- 
ious to obtain our signature, he finally said, we might put it 
in any shape most agreeable to ourselves. Thereupon, we 
added these words : " In endorsing our approval, we desire 
to state distinctly that we speak for ourselves, individually 
and personally, and not for any other officer in the prison." 
"With this paper he sought Col. Cesnola, for the purpose of ob- 
taining his approval to another one drawn up by Capt. Mc- 
Hollick (Streight's own man), in which the " lie direct" was 
given to his commander. This rather alarmed Cesnola, who 
exhibited it to another officer — a friend of Streight (as, at that 
moment, there existed a coldness between Streight and Ces- 
nola.) By him the paper was shown to Streight himself, who 
immediately requested a copy — not onl};^ of that, but of the 
one given by Jones, and endorsed by Tilden and myself: but 
Cesnola, on being referred to, declined to permit it, unless a 
pledge was given that no use should be made of it to the dis- 
paragement of Tilden and myself; nor, in fact, should it be 
exhibited without his (Cesnola's) consent. This pledge, Ces- 
nola assured me, was given, and the copying permitted. On 
the following day, after the reading of the Libhy CJironidc, 
(a weekly paper, published hut not prinfed^) these documents 
were publicly read to an unusually large crowd convened for 
the occasion ; and an announcement was made that, on the 
following day, a meeting would be held " for the purpose of 
passing resolutions condemnatory of the course of Col. Tilden 
and Col. Sanderson." 

As stated, the meeting took place. Its officers were Major 
Bates, 80th Ills., Chairman ; Major Harry White, 67thPenna., 



29 

Secretary ; Lt. Col. Jere Williams, 25th Ohio ; Dr. Spencer, 
(Streight's surgeon,) and Capt. B. F.Fisher, committee on res- 
olutions. The speakers were Lt. Col. Irvin, 10th N. Y. Cav'j, 
Major Henry, 5th Ohio Cav'y, and the much-injured Streight. 
As I was not present, I am unable to speak knowingly of the 
proceedings, but from conversation we learned that Col. 
Streight made remarks of a most personal, abusive and threat- 
ening character ; speaking in most discourteous terms of the 
writer, and offering to fight one or both of the parties 
assailed. The cause of all this ire, as far as we were able to 
discover, arose, not from our making a false statement, but in 
our proving Col. Streight to have done so ; and the ground 
assumed by some of our opponents was, that we were not jus- 
tified in rescuing an enemy's officer from a dilemma, even though 
Jie ivas in the right ! To this we simply replied, " that, on be- 
ing asked a straightforward question, we could only give a 
straightforward answer ; and for one, I never feared to put in 
writing, what I had deliberately expressed orally. As re- 
gards an enemy's officer, where Justice and Truth were con- 
cerned, I recognized neither friend nor foe ; and before my 
fealty to my country I owed an allegiance to my God. I was 
a man before I was a soldier, and had always been taught, 
that " justice should be done though the heavens fall !" 
Among the dissentients to our course, the most determined, 
and at the same time the most dignified, were Lt. Col. Wil- 
liams, Major Bates, Major Henry, and Capt. Fisher, between 
all of whom and myself there sprung up a coldness which 
lasted for some time, but as time wore on, and our comforts 
were increased, explanations took place, and reconciliation 
ensued. As a good deal of feeling very justly existed in re- 
gard to Lt. Jones' statement as to the satisfaction of his com- 
rades towards the officers of the prison, the paper con- 
taining this expression was returned to us, and another, 
doing full justice to Mr. Burnham, personally, and to the con- 
duct of the Confederacy generally, vi2LQ substituted, and this "tem- 
pest in a teapot " subsided ; although a considerable feeling of 
uneasiness prevailed for a long time as to the course I should 
pursue when released, the attention of the moving spirits be- 



30 

ing especially called to the 26tli Art. of the Revised Array 
Regulations. 

During all this time my duties as Culinary Director were 
constantly increasing, every new comer, or " fresh fish," being 
turned over to me for instruction. At last a vast augmenta- 
tion of our numbers took place, from the unlucky field of 
Chickamauga, giving us some three or four hundred officers 
additional, every one of whom was thrust into our quarters. For 
a day or two all regulations were set at nought, and disorder 
and confusion prevailed everywhere, but increased accommo- 
dations having been furnished us, I undertook to regulate the 
cooking department of the strangers, and in less than a week 
" all wont merry as a marriage bell," barring of course the 
usual amount of bickering and ill temper. But this increased 
amount of work was rather too severe forme, and I was finally 
forced to succumb to a violent cold caught in the performance 
(A my duties. For a few days I laid down in my quarters, on 
the floor, without the slightest medical attention, or necessary 
comforts ; and in reply to my application to be sent to the hos- 
pital, was informed that it was so full, that it Avas impossible to 
accommodate as many as absolutely required to be there. But 
at length my friends became alarmed, and I was permitted to 
stagger down to the building, employed for that purpose, about 
a quarter of a mile below us. On arriving here, sick and ex- 
hausted, there was no bed ready for me, and it was only after 
a distressing delay, that I was enabled to secure one, (I men- 
tion these things merely to show the great consideration I was 
held in by the enemy.) Into this I immediately plunged, and 
remained almost senseless and motionless for thirty-six hours. 
On the second day, finding myself better after my long and 
comfortable repose, I rose and dressed myself, and for a short 
time conversed with my brother officers. I then prescribed 
for myself, took my own medicines, which I always carry with 
me, and again returned to my bed. The surgeon in charge. 
Dr. Siball, after examining me, and hearing what I had done, 
declined to interfere with my own treatment, and passed on. 
The next morning after the proper operation of my medicine, 
I found myself so much better that I concluded to return to 



31 

my quarters at the prison, influenced thereto by several rea- 
sons, — first, because I found the groanings and distresses of 
my fellow-prisoners, both officers and privates, all occupying 
the same building, were so terrible as to depress my spirits, — 
second, because the accommodations afforded the officers were 
so limited, as to prevent full justice being done to the really 
sick, — and third, because all the operations of nature had 
to be performed in a filthy and disgusting place, in common 
with the private soldiers, who were by no means particular as 
to appearances or cleanliness. Making up " my kit," and dis- 
tributing among the most needy, my stock of provisions, of 
which I had laid in a goodly store, I informed the surgeon of 
my desire to leave, and greatly against his advice, persisted in 
my determination, returning to my prison quarters on the 
third day. 

During the few hours that I found myself sufficiently re- 
covered to converse with my comrades, I related to a few of 
the prominent ones, Col. Powell, Col. Monroe Nichols, Capt. 
Skelton, and perhaps one or two others, some of the incidents 
of our prison life, and die-closed to some of them the outlines 
of a proposed plan of escape, which had grown into propor- 
tions from a suggestion made by myself, when it was expected 
that we should be removed from Richmond to Salisbury, N. 
C, owing to the scarcity of food in the former city. This 
idea had seized me shortly after my difficulty with Col. Streight, 
and having before my eyes a healthy fear of the penalties 
attached to a conspiracy to escape, when loss of life might 
eventuate, (see order No. 100,) and having no confidence in 
the warm feelings of my Southern friends towards me in case 
of conviction, I acted with that circumspection necessary to 
■one who plots with his head in his hand. 

Believing that Streight and his immediate associates had no 
personal love for me, and fearing also the enmity of certain 
men in my own quarters, whose insubordinate conduct and 
character had more than once brought them under my official 
displeasure, I stated my views very secretly and very cha- 
rily. To Cols. Tilden, Cesnola, and Wilson, Lt. Cols. Rogers, 
Cavada, Walker, Spofiford, Henry, and Hayes, and Majors 



32 

Russell, Henry, White, and Neeper, I was frank and open, 
leaving to them to elaborate the details, and select their aids. 
As originally devised, the plan was this : Selecting from the 
great mass a few brave and prudent men to act as field and 
line officers, the remainder were to be recruited, under the 
seal of secrecy, as non-commissioned officers and privates ; 
each captain selecting his company from his own asso- 
ciates, disclosing to each as much of the plan as would be 
deemed necessary to insure his hearty co-operation, and wil- 
lingness to drill punctually and obey orders. Having an ex- 
aggerated opinion of Col. Cesnola at that moment, he was 
invited to take the leadership, whilst Col. Tilden and the 
other ranking officers were to constitute the line. I, myself, 
volunteering as a high private under Tilden. In the midst 
of our deliberations, however, the battle of Chickamauga 
occurred and swelled by its results the number of our com- 
rades to about a thousand, while the sum total of the rank 
and file amounted to over ten thousand, one third of which 
were confined in tobacco warehouses directly opposite to us. 
As soon as we became sufficiently acquainted, the leading 
spirits of the Western Army, among them that gallant and 
lamented officer, Col. Bartleson, the pluckey and nettlesome 
Lefavour, the accomplished Carleton, and the indomitable 
Rose were taken into confidence, and, the question of removal 
being dropped, it was proposed to give a more extended 
character to our enterprise, and attempt with the aid of our 
own government, a feat of arms and strategy which should at 
once give us both liberty and renown. Being under the im- 
pression that there was a spy among us— a not impossible 
event — ail our consultations resolved tlicmselves into tete-a-tete 
interviews, Col. Cesnola being the common medium, to him 
being intrusted our various suggestions for the purpose of 
enabling him to elaborate and perfect the necessary details. 
Having obtained a map of the city, and learning the exact 
depots of arms and artillery, the places of rendezvous of the 
militia, the residence of the arch-fiend Davis, and his head- 
devils, Benjamin, Seddou, and others, and of the different 
members of Congress, ■?(;/ie/i it should heconvened,\we cast about 



33 

to find means to apprise our own government of our inten- 
tions. At this juncture a rebel officer came to the prison and 
obtained, in exchange for liimself, the release of a federal 
officer of corresponding rank, he being a Lieutenant-Colonel 
on the staff of John Morgan. By right Lt. Col. Von Schra- 
der, Lt. Col. J. F. Boyd, or myself were the only parties 
entitled to this exchange, but by some means Lt. Col. Irvin, 
of the 10th N. Y. Cavalry, was fortunate enough to be select- 
ed, and to him, as I learned from Cesnola, was confided the 
details of our plan, to be narrated to the government. In the 
meantime we quietly proceeded with our arrangements, and 
awaited some indications of the acquiescence of the military 
authorities at home. 

During this interregnum it was that I was taken sick and 
carried to the hospital. The next or succeeding day after my 
return to my quarters, while still very weak and far from well, 
I was told by Col. Cesnola that Streight had been occupying 
himself in devising a plan of escape by which he proposed to 
carry off all the honors, deeming our scheme entirely too 
slow and too old fogyish for his ardent and enthusiastic tem- 
perament. The minutiae of his proposed exodus were simple 
and few. On a fixed night — shortly to arrive — the City Bat- 
tallion, a military organization which had had charge of us 
heretofore, being withdrawn for a limited space for the pur- 
pose of improving themselves in drill and camp duty, their 
places being filled by Pickett's Division of veteran troops, the 
heroes of a hundred fights, — he and his chosen band were to 
break from the prison, overpower the guard, and, if strong 
enough, fire the city, and take the chances of capturing it, or 
of making their escape into our own lines. Taking into con- 
sideration that the city was full of militia ; and that four thou- 
sand regulars were in convenient distance ; that his one or 
two hundred heroes had no organization and no arms ; with 
every avenue to our lines carefully guarded, and the means of 
concentrating the various regiments instantaneous ; and with 
nothing to occupy their attention but the exciting chase after 
a hundred or two half-starved Yankee prisoners — I could not 
but regard such an idea as emanating from none but a lunatic 



34 

or a braggadocio, and did not hesitate to pronounce it murder- 
ous and fool-liardy ; and was greatly relieved to learn that not 
even his most cherished associates were willing to assist in 
such an enterprise, obliging him to fall back upon his subal- 
terns, of whom he had contrived to gain over to his plan not 
over a hundred, or a hundred and fifty at the utmost. 

Whilst discussing the merits of this scheme we were startled 
by observing an unusual commotion in the streets, an extra 
number of guards being posted around our prison, and at least 
two pieces of artillery being placed so as to command the 
exits. More severity was also used in carrying out the prison 
regulations, no one, for a time, being permitted to approach 
the windows. At first we were inclined to suppose that our 
long-talked-of removal Avas to be effected. Then a rumor 
pervaded our quarters that the citizens of Richmond had 
declared their intention of opening our prison doors and set- 
ting us free, on the ground that we were raising the price of 
subsistence so high that they and tlieir families w^ere on the 
point of starvation. After two days' wonderment and alarm 
the extra guard were suddenly withdrawn, the artillery ciuietly 
removed, and everything jogged on as usual. And then it 
was, for the first, we learned that we had perfected a plan for 
escape which had been betrayed by one of our own number. 
This startling intelligence was communicated either by Mr. 
Higgins, Winder's private secretary, to Col. Cesnola, or by 
the notorious Dick Turner to Col. Streight, I am unable to 
say which. All this time it must be remembered that I was 
an invalid, having only a morning or two previous to the 
event narrated above fallen down in a fainting fit whilst stand- 
ing up in line for " roll call." A da}^ or tAvo after things had 
resumed their usual current, and we were racking our brains 
to discover the traitor among us, Cesnola came to me and 
taking me aside informed me that Streight had charged me in 
his own room with being the "guilty one." Furiously indig- 
nant, in spite of my weakness, I desired to confront the foul 
slanderer at once, but in view of the utter impossibility of my 
taking any suitable vengeance, or of obtaining any redress 
from my brutal and vulgar calumniator, I was perforce obliged 



35 

Iq adopt Cesnola't advice and leave to time the mode of ob- 
taining satisfaction. I frankly acknowledge that this calumny 
•isxercised me greatly, and I could not but blame myself for 
having spoken at all on the subject while in the hospital, 
believing, as I conscientiously did, that some eaves-dropper 
or "weak-kneed brother" had over-heard my disclosures to my 
brother officers there, and had communicated the meagre de- 
tails afforded to the confederates. Every day and every hour 
this thought haunted me, and I spared no effort to discover 
if such could have been the case, but I was assured by all 
Ihat I conversed with, who had spent any time in the hospital- 
that every one of the attendants, including the Ward Master, 
with whom I had had a few minutes conversation, were all 
federaf prisoners, and as anxious to have such a scheme sue 
cessfully carried out as myself. There was one person, how- 
ever, of whom some suspicion was entertained — a Mr. Ver- 
million of Keokuk, Iowa, a citizen clerk or sutler — but as no 
substantial proof at tlwt time was presented, I hesitated to 
affix such a damning crime to liis charge, especially as I knew 
him to be a friend of one of tlie most gallant officers I ever 
met, Capt. R. F. Skclton, and moreover could not remember 
of having conversed with him on any subject. After a few 
weeks, this incident being driven from my mind by other and 
equally exciting rumors, died out, and as the contre-femps had 
no marked effect upon our real plans, it was only remembered 
as one of a series of slanders gotten up against me b}- the 
same clique. 

About this time, however, an incident occurred which 
afforded my enemies a splendid chance to exercise tiieir 
vocation. Capt. Atwood, a member of ray mess, and the 
source of much annoyance to me by his captious and quarrel- 
some disposition, being constantly engaged in some petty and 
contemptible squabble of which I was compelled to be 
arbiter, called my attention to the conduct of a young man 
belonging to one of the loyal Virginia regiments. On learn- 
ing the facts I endeavored to smooth the difficulty, but as At- 
wood demanded his rights, and as his antagonist was clearly 
in the wrong by occupying at an improper time a place on a 



30 

■tove belonging to another mess, I was forced to act in. the* 
matter, my indisposition to do so willingly arising entirely 
from the fact that Atwood was a member of my own mess,, 
and any decision I should make in his favor Avould Le deemed' 
partial. Having explained his error to the culprit, I courte- 
ously requested him to remove his vessel and await his turn 
on his own stove. This he flatly refused, being encouraged 
thereto by a number of his intimates drawn there by the- 
report of the difficulty, and when I attempted to take the- 
kettle from the fire myself, he threatened me with a case 
knife, which he displayed with much flourish and great em- 
phasis. Not greatly terrified by this sudden apparition of 
deadly iron, but at the same time quite unwilling to engage 
in a personal encounter with one so much my junior iji rank 
and age, he being a second heutenant just out of his teens, I 
released my hold on the oifending pot and drawing my watch 
from my pocket, informed my excited opponent that I would 
give him just Jive minutes to decide whether he would remove 
it himself or go down to the cells. " Will yore send me to the 
cells ?" was his rather astonished question. " I certainly will^ 
unless that kettle is removed," was my quiet reply. '' You 
don't dare do it !" shouted he, shaking his fist in my face. 
" That, Sir, is simply a question of time." " If you do," was 
his response, " I will Jiave your hearts hloodf — I did. At the 
expiration of the five minutes, the kettle being still there, I 
notified the Inspector of the Prison, and demanded that my 
authority should be sustained by making an example of this 
offender. Instantly acceding to my request, I asked him to 
carry this domestic Rebel down stairs, introduce him to the 
cells, and then inform him that having the power to inflict 
this punishment I merely desired to convince him of that 
fact, as this was his first offence, but that a recurrence of such 
insubordination would inevitably earn for him a night's lodg- 
ing therein. This, as I afterwards learned, was done ; but 
not exactly in conformity with my programme, Mr, Turner 
taking to himself all the credit of the leniency^ leaving for m© 
all the odium. 

For a few days, of course, the indignation of this much in- 



37 

jured young "gentleman and his friends was perfectly intense 
— a committee of them waiting upon me for the purpose of 
ascertaining if I deemed such conduct loyal. To which I 
very soberly replied that I did ; whereat their astonishment 
was marvelously increased, and only found vent in an empha- 
tic demand that I should resign. This I very respectfully 
•declined to do, on the ground that I had been invited to fill 
the position by a very large majority of the officers in the 
Department ; and I did not feel called upon to obey the re- 
quirements of a disorderly and contemptible minority. I also 
assured them that I felt so well satisfied with the result of 
this action that it was my determination hereafter to resort to it, 
whenever circumstances would demand its application. Upon, 
this the interview closed, and I was permitted to rest in peace; 
but on reflection, finding that I w^as exhausting m}^ patience 
and health, and increasing the number and virulence of my 
enemies needlessly, I concluded to turn over the reins of 
jDOwer to my constituents and permit them to select a succes- 
sor of more pliant character, but up to the moment of my 
leaving they had failed to secure so great a treasure, or in 
fact to find 'any one willing to assume the command I had 
relinquished. 

The next item of interest in our prison life arose from the 
reception of a large amount of subsistence and clothing sent , 
i)y the United States government and the Sanitary and 
•.Christian Commissions for distribution to our sick and suffer- 
iing soldiers. Brigadier General Neal Dow being the ranking 
■ officer — he having returned from Mobile prison about the 26th 
.or 28th of October— all this material was addressed to him, 
rand having selected one or two officers to accompany him and 
•aid in the issuing, he was taken over to the Island and per- 
rmitted to use his own judgment in its distribution. How 
Hong he enjoyed this privilege I am unprepared to state posi- 
tively, as I busied himself neither with Iiis incomings or out- 
goings , " his sayings or doings,'' but the term was short, not 
over three days at the utmost. The cause of his being re- 
lieved was rumored to be an ill-advised and unfortunate pro- 
test to Gen. Winder on the subject of rations, to which the 



38 

only response he received was an invitation to mind his own 
business, and an order placing three other gentlemen in his 
stead. This Committee consisted of Col. C. P. di Cesnola, 
4th N. Y. Cav., Lt. Col. J. F. Boyd, Chief Q. M. 20th Corps, 
Lt. Col. A. Yon Schrader, A. I. G. 14th Corps, to whom was 
assigned the distribution of the clothing only, the subsistence 
and Sanitary supplies being placed in charge of the rebel 
officers exclusively. 

For three weeks everything under the direction of these- 
gentlemen went on swimmingly. Col. Boyd, one of the most 
systematic of Quarter-masters, prepared blanks for his col- 
leagues, who, with the aid of clerks, selected from the prison- 
ers themselves, soon lilled them up with the name, rank, com- 
pany, regiment, and condition of the clothing of every man on 
the Island, in order to see how far the stock on hand would 
enable them to go in distributing to the more needy the vari- 
ous articles most required. Hardly had this been achieved^ 
when Col. Cesnola, by some interference with the action of 
the authorities, brought down upon his head their ire and dis- 
pleasure, Avhich evinced itself by a notification that his ser- 
vices would no longer be needed. This intelligence w^as 
brought him by his friend, Mr. Higgins, who gave him the 
privilege of naming his successor. His first choice, I think,, 
was Col. Tilden, who declined, in consequence of being in 
command of a department, which he did not care to relin- 
quish. I was then solicited to take the position, and also de- 
clined ; but, at the earnest request of Col. Cesnola, and the 
rather persistent solicitation of Major Turner, the Command- 
ant of the Prison, who informed me that my name had been 
uniformly suggested by my brother-officers " as the one most 
fitted by temper and capacity" (I quote his own words) " for 
this particular duty ;" and as it was for the interest of my 
own Government that it should be properly done, he did not 
think me justified in refusing. Unable to assign any satisfac- 
tory reason for a further objection, I was obliged to accept, 
with the proviso that if, after a trial, I should be dissatisfied, 
I would be permitted to retire. This being acceded to, on the 
31st day of November. I entered upon the duties. 



39 

After visiting the Island once in company with Col.Von Schra- 
der, we appHed for the addition of another officer, and, at my 
suggestion, Lt. CoL Hunter, of the 123d Ohio Vols., was added 
to the committee, and the following division of labor was 
agreed to : — Col. Boyd was charged with the accounts, myself 
with the distribution of the clothing on the Island, and Cols. 
Von Schrader and Hunter with the examination and enrol- 
ment of the prisoners confined in the warehouses and hospitals 
in the City of Richmond. Capt. Chamberlain, of the 123d 
Ohio, was subsequently added to the committee without my 
knowledge or consent. After a short experience in the details 
of my labor, I found it impossible to proceed without a com- 
panion, and accordingly asked and obtained permission to take 
with me. Lt. Col. F. F. Cavada, of the 114th Penn. Vols. In 
this selection I was greatly guided by the fact of Col. Cavada 
being an accomplished gentleman and suffering greatly from 
depression of spirits caused by long imprisonment. His du- 
ties were simply to examine the letters passing between the 
officers and the men, and vice versa, in order to carry out a 
stipulation entered into with Lt. Bussieux, requiring us to de- 
liver to him any one containing improper or contraband ex- 
pressions. This arrangement was effected in order to expe- 
dite letter writing — the number passing between the two- 
points averaging from fifty to one hundred daily — the reading 
of which proving too tedious for the lieutenant, many of them 
were thrown aside and never reached their destination. Trust- 
ing to my honor to carry out this agreement in good faith, he 
never thereafter took the trouble to open any communication: 
unless his attention was specially invoked — an event, I am. 
sorry to say, of too frequeiit occurrence, in spite of the numer- 
ous cautions given b}'' me to my fellow-prisoners. The Colonel 
was also sometimes called upon to relieve me in the issuing of 
clothing, but not often. After five days co-operation, however, 
this gentleman was obliged to resign the position, in conse- 
quence of ill-health ; and my next friend and fellow-captive, 
Major William Russell, Jun., was invited to take his place. 
He accompanied me for five or six days, when he, too, suc- 
cumbed to a cold, and fell ill. My next invitation was to CoL 



40 

Tilden, but, owing to the duties of his position, he declined in 
favor of Capt. Atwood, who formed the fourth in our mess. 
By no means avaricious of this man's society, I only yielded at 
Tilden's earnest request, and in order to avoid a personal ill- 
feeling. At the end of ten days, however, fortune favored me, 
and I was enabled to rid myself of his companionship, under 
the plea of a desire to afford as many as possible the oppor- 
tunity of visiting their commands and, in some cases, their im- 
mediate relations. Capt. Wontworth, I think, was my next 
comjDanion, and each day thereafter I selected a different 
person, giving the preference to those having tlie largest num- 
ber of their command confined there ; and, in doing this, it 
will be observed that I treated my friends and foes alike — 
many gentlemen accompanying me for the express purpose 
of Watching my actions and noting my conduct. Of this, of 
course, I was at the moment entirely ignorant ; but, even had 
I known it, so conscious was I of having nothing to conceal, 
that I sincerely affirm that in no jot or title would I have al- 
tered my demeanor to man -or officer, friend or foe. 

A very brief experience disclosed to me the almost utter 
demoralization existing in that encampment, of which a gang 
of robbers and murderers, who had joined the army to ob- 
tain the immense bounties paid by cities, States, and Govern- 
ment, (better known as "bounty-jumpers,") had the entire 
control. Every squad that presented itself before me brought 
numerous victims of their villainous practices. Old men and 
young, the strong and the weak, the healthy and the sick were 
alike the sufferers. No place was sacred and no refuge secure, 
and day and night were equally auspicious. Money, clothing, 
or subsistence, in turn, tempted them ; and it mattered little, 
whether it was the last dollar or the last crust, if opportunity 
offered or time served for their nefarious purposes : so horrid 
were the details and so numerous the complaints, that I was 
sickened and l:)ewildered. Yielding easily, at first, to the dic- 
tates of pity, I replaced without much questioning the miss- 
ing and needed articles, of which they had been so wrongfully 
despoiled ; but my suspicions having been at length aroused 
by some suspicious circumstances ; and, learning, upon closer 



41 

scrutiny, that I had been imposed upon by some of the very 
worst raiders themselves, I became doubtful and distrusting, 
and demanded clearer proof and corroborating testimony. 

Very much disgusted and shocked at the conduct of these 
scoundrels, who robbed and even murdered to obtain any 
article possessing merchantable value in the eyes of the Rebel 
guards, who cared little if the article presented to them was 
slightly stained with the blood of its last owner, provided he 
were a Yankee, I appealed to Lieut. Bossieux to institute 
some measures by which this horrid series of crimes could be 
abated ; but he very soon convinced me that the remedy was 
only in the hands of the men themselves. All he could do, 
with his limited guards, was to prevent escape, and keep the 
hostile masses under apparent control. Any internal regula- 
tions, other than policing the camp, were beyond the scope of 
his duty ; and it did not require much sagacity on my part to 
discover that a little demoralization, more or less, among the 
troops of the enemy, was not considered a cause of many 
tears to him or his superiors. 

By no means pleased with this discovery, and greatly hu- 
miliated by this gross misconduct of men engaged in a cause 
almost as sacred as religion, I racked my brains to devise 
some efficacious means to mitigate the evil, if not remove it 
altogether. Complaints, advice, and persuasion, producing 
no effect, I at length tried reproaches and severity, and any 
able-bodied man coming to me with his tale of oppression and 
woe, proceeding from his own comrades, was promised a 
'petticoat or a woolen sliift, in lieu of the blanket, or over- 
coat he had so pusillanimously defended. This at length 
touched a responsive chord, and I was approached by a small 
and select number, who respectfully represented that they 
did not like to be told they were old ivomen, and coivards; and 
asked that I would suggest some plan by which, while pro- 
tecting themselves, they would convince me, and their ene- 
mies, that they were not only men, but brave ones too. De- 
lighted at this exhibition of pluck and wounded pride, I im- 
mediately gave them the necessary instructions for organizing 
a special police for the protection of themselves and fellow- 



42 

prisoners, and the detection and punishment of the guilty. 
In less than twenty-four hours two of the most vicious of the 
band of ruffians Avere brought before me, having been caught 
in the very act. Having obtained permission of Lieut. Bos- 
sieux to inflict a limited punishment, I ordered them 
to be bucked — the extent of my 'poicer — and placed them in 
such a position that the whole camp could see them, with 
the word " Raider'^ conspicuously posted on their (,back, in- 
forming them at the same time, that my greatest regret was 
that I couldn't put the rope round their necks instead of their 
wrists. The next day three men were brought out, badly 
beaten in their efforts to escape, and they also were bucked. 
Subsequently two others were caught by the police selling the 
clothing they had just draion from me to the Confederate 
guard. As this was also the prolific source of much annoy- 
ance, and the incentive for much dissimulation and fraud, I 
made an example of the culprits by bucking each of them for 
an hour ; and these instances included every case of punish- 
ment in which I was, directly or indirectly, interested. 

One other incident occurred which, as it has been made a 
matter of grave accusation against me, I will explain here. A 
poor, dilapidated wretch was brought before me in a most mis- 
erable state. All I could learn from him was that his name 
was Berry, and he belonged to one of the regular regiments — 
the 13th, I think. From his manner and the laughter of those 
who surrounded me, (both Federal and Confederate,) I was 
led to believe him half-witted, and gave him all the necessary 
clothing of which he was deficient. In a few days he again 
presented himself, in a worse condition, if possible, than be- 
fore. Again I clothed him, charging him to be more careful 
of his raiment. A third time he appeared before me, under 
the plea of having been robbed. Somewhat annoyed and ir- 
ritated, I was, nevertheless, on^tlie point of issuing the order to 
reclothe him when it was intimated to me that he was a deserter. 
Pausing in my order, I asked him what regiment he belonged 
to before he enlisted in the regulars. He mentioned a New- 
York Volunteer regiment. I then inquired if he had been 
mustered out of that regiment; his reply was, that he had left. 



43 

of his own accord. I again questioned him as to whether he 
had received any bounty for joining the last regiment. After 
some hesitation, he acknowledged that he had been paid some- 
thing foj it. I then charged him with being a deserter, and, 
upon closely pressing him, he partially admitted it. Upon 
discovering that the fellow was more knave than fool, and had 
been imposing on my sympathies, I ordered him into the en- 
closure and forbade him to trouble me again under threats of 
a good kicking. Two weeks elapsed, and hearing nothing 
more of him, I dismissed the subject from my mind ; but, one 
day, rumors of exchange being very rife, (700 men having- 
been sent off,) Cols. Boyd and Hunter became alarmed lest 
some of the clothing should fall into the hands of the Rebels; 
and insisted that it should be distributed at once, as fast as 
jDOSsible. This I opposed, because it interfered Avith the order 
and regularity of the issuing and opened the doors to abuses 
and errors; besides, I could easily have kept pace with any 
delivery of j)risoners that could have been made, without step"- 
ping out of the usual course ; but, being overruled and out- 
voted, Lt. Col. Hunter with Lt. Col. Archer, who had been 
added to the committee by Capt. McRae Selpli, in recognition, 
of Col. Archer's kindness to him whilst 'a prisoner in our 
hands, were selected to assist me. Placing stands for them 
some little distance from my own, we proceeded to issue over- 
coats and such other articles as were on hand, in a manner, to 
my mind, savoring of the reckless. During this operation, and 
whilst awaiting the arrival of another squad, (having a few 
minutes to spare,) I sauntered around to see how my colleagues 
were progressing, and also to ascertain if any of those against 
whom I had made a black mark were taking advantage of the 
new comers. As I suspected, some of them were on hand; 
but, on seeing me approach, they slunk away into the enclo- 
sure. One, alone, remained — and he was the persistent Berry, 
who was standing with his back towards me, earnestly plead- 
ing with Col. Archer for various articles which he alleged had 
never been furnished him. Without giving the Colonel time 
to reply, I turned him around ; and, confronting him, asked 
him what he wanted. Although somewhat taken aback, ha 



44 

immediately commenced, in a whining tone, his well-conned 
tale — that he wanted this, and he wanted that. " I'll tell you 
what you want," said I, taking him by the collar — " You want 
what I promised you ; and now you shall have it." With that 
I pushed him ahead of me, and kicked him as I walked — each 
foot, alternately — three times in all. I then took him to the 
gate and, putting him through it, ordered him not to come out 
again without my permission. Three officers were present on 
this occasion, of wliom, however, I can recall byname but two; 
and, as it occurred some distance from my own stand, none of 
those accustomed to surround me were cognizant of it. 

Some few weeks subsequent,! was informed by Lt. Bossieux 
that he had found a poor fellow complaining bitterly during 
the night of having been kicked out of his quarters by his 
comrades, on account of his filthy and lousy condition. Tak- 
ing him but of the camp, he sent him down to the river, had 
him washed from head to foot; and, opening the boxes, (which 
were under a guard selected by myself of our own men,) gave 
him every article of clothing afresh. Unable to name the man 
he sent for him, and placed before me the irrepressible Berry ! 
Having heard that my enemies in the prison had made capital 
against me, in consequence of my treatment of this man, I 
seized the opportunity of making him state in presence of Col. 
McCreery and Col. LeFavour (who, I am under the impres- 
sion, accompanied me that day) his whole history; from which 
"we learned that he had twice deserted, each time after re- 
ceiving a bounty from Yolunteer regiments, and had finally 
brought up among the "Regulars." I asked him if he recol- 
lected me ; he said, " Yes." " What did I do to you ?" " You 
Mcked me." " Did I hurt you ?" " Oli. no !" replied he, 
laughingly. " You can kick me twice as liard every day, if 
you will only double my rations !" 

Satisfied that I had not wounded either his person or his 
honor, I dismissed him and never afterwards saw him. I was 
told, however, that he very soon disposed of his new outfit, 
and finally died from exposure. 

In relating this incident, I have " nothing extenuated, nor 
set down aught in malice." It is the only event of my impris- 



45 

onment I would care to alter, not because the party punished"- 
did not deserve that and more, but simply because it was an. 
undignified exhibition of temper, quite foreign to my nature,, 
and not at all calculated to raise i^e in the estimation of my 
enemies or myself; and I regret it the more because it is the 
single stone on which my calumniators have erected a huge, 
structure of cruelty, inhumanity and brutality. 

As regards my conduct to the men when brought before me 
in my official capacity, I have neither regret nor excuse to 
offer. When I first came in contact with them I found many 
of them in an almost semi-barbarous state, lost to all discipline,, 
subordination, and self-respect ;: and, as a consequence, unwill- 
ing or unable to estimate properly the favor conferred upon 
them by an ever-watchful Government. The most lawless and. 
demoralized among them looked upon me as the only obstacle 
between them and the entire gratification of their desire to 
steal, plunder, and murder. Muscle and self-will were the 
only guides and limit they recognized, and when they met, in 
me, a check to their lawlessness and crime, they turned upon, 
me with insolent defiance, or aggressive abuse. To the offi- 
cials of our common enemy who surrounded me, regarding all 
my movements with curiosity, and witnessing my humiliation 
with ill-concealed merriment, these exhibitions were of the 
most gratifying character, giving them, as it did, such an ex- 
cellent and telling text for drawing comparisons. 

Unaccustomed to this flagrant disrespect, and stung to the 
quick by the sneers and impertinent sympathy of my foes, I 
determined to effect, if possible, a sudden and salutary change. 
As has been already stated, my issues were made from rolls 
carefully prepared previously. Each squad was called out 
separately, aud the Sergeant in charge standing near me veri- 
fied the man as he answered to his. name. Having decided 
upon the course to pursue, I placed a strip of board about ten 
feet from my own stand, so. as to enable me to scrutinize and 
examine the applicant, and as the squad was drawn up before 
me in line, I called the Sergeant aside and directed him to, 
bring up each man, as his name was called, to that mark in a 
soldierly and respectful manjier,. with their hands out of their 



46 

pockets ; and particularly cautioned him to forbid them asking 
me questions until they had answered mine. Although I had a 
perfect right to expect and demand that each man as he present- 
ed himself before me, should make the customary salute, I did 
not exact it for two reasons. First, because it would have ne- 
cessitated a return of the compliment thus offered, which 
would have rather taxed my endurance, and second, because 
many, if not a majority, of both officers and privates, partic- 
ularly the former, would have considered me a martinet, and 
•deemed me over-fastidious. As it was, many of the Sergeants 
added this item to the other requirements, and many well-dis- 
ciplined soldiers accorded it without prompting. Another of 
my regulations was, that loud talking, bickering and profanity, 
would not be permitted in the ranks, and when it did occur, I 
have sent the offenders into the encampment for the day. It, 
in spite of the oxaniplo constantly exhibited, and the caution 
invariably given, some obstinate or careless disciple, ignoring 
all precepts and suggestions, would present himself with segar 
in mouth, or hands in pocket, I unhesitatingly and authorita- 
tively called his attention to the fact, and punished insolence 
of manner as summarily as if expressed more audibly. 

That I was correct in the course I pursued, will not be de- 
nied, I think, by any but a political trickster. " Courtesy 
among military men is indispensable to discipline,'" and there 
are no lack of examples to show that an officer who does not 
respect himself and the rank he holds, will not command the 
respect or obtain the obedience of those beneath him. 
Placed as I was in an enemy's country and prison ; charged 
with the care and protection of a largo amount of property 
belonging to my own Government ; surrounded every instant 
by unfriendly and inimical critics, ever ready to perceive and 
comment upon every dereliction from Avell-established princi- 
ples of military discipline ; without the al>ility to enforce my 
orders save through the courtesy of a deadly foe, and having 
to deal with«a, band of men, some of them wholly lost to obe- 
dience or self-respect, I found my position anything but a sin- 
ecure, and my path beset by everything but roses. With cer- 
tain ideas of military etiquette, routine and subordination^ 



implanted in my mind by long association with such officers 
as Irvin McDowell, Joseph Hooker, George G. Meade, John 
F. Reynolds, John Newton, and others of like character ; and 
engaged in a profession which had, from my earliest youth 
possessed my deepest veneration, I felt all my responsibilities, 
and was thoroughly cognizant of all my rights. Even had I 
been ignorant of the latter, the open enjoyment, on the part 
of our enemies, at every display of insolence, disrespect and 
pretended stupidity of my fellow-soldiers, would have opened 
the eyes of the most stolid ; whilst the half-concealed glances 
of approval wrung from them, as soldier after soldier appeared, 
each striving to excel his fellow in military smartness and 
disciplined respect, betrayed their recognition of our soldierly 
qualities, creating in the heart of every true man a glow of 
exultation and triumph : at least it had that effect on me ; 
and the compliments frequently paid by some of the best of 
the rebel ofiicers stationed or visiting that post, elicited by 
the really excellent appearance of many of our men — Com- 
missary as I ivas — greatly elated me. Proud of my connec- 
tion with the splendid Army of the Potomac, I felt more than 
usual gratification Avhen my comrades in that organization ex- 
hibited their truly martial excellence in appearance and dis- 
cipline ; and although my sympathies were most moved in 
behalf of those true patriots, undisciplined as they were, from 
the Border States, expeciall}' those from East Tennessee, I 
own that a respectful request sometimes extorted from me the 
coveted garment, when perhaps a less military bearing would 
have failed in impressing me with the necessity. I do love a 
good soldier, and have travelled many a mile to witness a 
superior drill. 

In my intercourse with the men, apart from my official du- 
ties, I endeavored to be as kind to them as my disposition 
would permit, and I have the heartfelt consciousness of hav- 
ing, in my humble way, and with my limited means, been 
able to do them many acts of disinterested kindness, the rela- 
tion of which would ill befit me to undertake. 

With one other incident in my prison life, I hope to con- 
clude this eventful history, already too '- .g drawn out. 



48 

Having; had a personal difficulty with a Junior officer, some of 
his friends, joining forces with my well-known enemies, called 
a meeting during my absence from prison, which, although na 
such object was stated in the call, soon proved to be for the 
purpose of denouncing me. Unprepared for any such demon- 
stration, many gentlemen, on hearing the resolutions, in 
which grave charges were preferred against me, demand- 
ed from the instigators and wire-pullers of the convoca- 
tion, proofs of the allegations therein made ; and as these were 
not forthcoming, they incontinently voted the whole thing 
down by an overwhelming majority, and adjourned the meet- 
ing sine die. On my return to the prison, late in the after- 
noon, I was the recipient of an improvised ovation, which com- 
pletely mystified me, as many of the participants had always 
been regarded by me as unfriendly. On reaching my quar- 
ters, however, I was enlightened as to the cause of my sudden 
popularity, and was regaled for many a day thereafter with 
the recital of the fun provoked by this gathering.. 

In spite of the commendations of my friends, however, I 
could not but feel indignant at this cowardly attempt to in- 
jure me ; and, with a vieAv to hold the parties to a strict ac- 
countability hereafter, I wrote to the master-spirit of the affair 
— a Capt. McKee, from Kentucky, asking in the most court- 
eous terms a copy of the Preamble and Resolutions read by 
him on the occasion. To this he made so equivocating a re- 
ply and exhibited so contemptible a spirit that I felt con- 
strained to brand him as a slanderer and poltroon, and there 
the matter ended as far as he was concerned. A day or two 
afterwards. Col. Powell, (now Brigadier-General,) availing him- 
self of remarks made by me publicly — that I would answer 
any question in reference to my conduct, in or out of the 
prison respectfully presented to me — called at my quarters and, 
after a conference of nearly three hours in duration, thanked 
me for my frankness and openly avowed his complete satisfac- 
tion with my explanations. Anxious to give as many officers 
as desired it an opportunity to converse freely with the men 
on the Island, I asked and obtained permission from Major 
Turner to take with me, daily, tiuo officers, instead of one ; and 



49 

thus I repaid the malice of my enemies, who crushed and de- 
feated in every movement, allowed me to remain quiet during 
the rest of my imprisonment. Shortly after this event, the 
time for the completion of Col. Rose's tunnel approaching, I 
-was called upon by Major McDanald, of the 101st Ohio, who, 
after introducing himself, being a perfect stranger to me, 
asked if I had not publicly stated that I would lend money to 
any officer proposing to make his escape. This I affirmed, 
with the explanation, that, at the time specified I had more 
means at my command, and desired to effect a certain result, 
viz : conveying intelligence to my government of the rein- 
forcement of Bragg's army by Longstreet. At the moment 
then in question I was not so well stocked with money, and 
declined especially robbing myself for the purpose of gorging 
the guard, as Streight and Ely had done with such marked 
results — the latter having paid a hundred dollars (greenbacks) 
for the pleasure of " climbing down" a royjc, and ten dollars 
for the privilege of climbing up again ! Disclaiming any such 
intention, and satisfying me that the mode of exit was practi- 
cable and novel, I promised to raise a certain sum, which he 
couhl rely upon. A day or two after, Major Henry, of the 
■ 5th Ohio Cavalry, and one of the speakers at the first meet- 
ing against me, also approached me on the same errand, with 
the same result, and finally Lt. W. F. Randolph, a Regular 
officer, to whom I gave my last dollar. Of these gentlemen, 
two were fortunate enough to succeed in their attempts, whilst 
the third, Major ITeiiry, was unluckily recaptured. Others 
applied to me for funds for the same purpose, but having ex- 
hausted my stock, I had recourse to my store of luxuries and 
provisions, and even necessaries, among which I number a 
liatchet and a bottle of excellent brandy, botli of which, as I 
afterwards learned, were of incalculal)le value. 

On the morning of the 7th of March I was sent to the 
office, and ordered to get ready to leave for— liorae. In two 
hours I was to be ever more a free man. So unexpected, and 
so startling the news ; so varied and so numerous the hopes 
and expectations that, for a few moments, I was unable to ex- 
press my feelings, and was only reminded of my personality 



60 

by the Major humorously asking ine "if I Avas sorry to leave- 
him ?" The warmth of my reply was more amusing than com- 
plimentary, and after receiving his congratulations I returned 
to my quarters to announce the glad tidings. Overwhelmed 
with joy every trace of bitterness faded from my heart, and 
there was not a man in that building, including Atwood, Mc- 
Kee, et id omne gemis, that I would not gladly have shaken 
hands with, and forgiven every injury, in all sincerity. On 
every side I met pleasant faces and hearty congratulations, 
each one hoping his turn would come next, and had I been pos- 
sessed of a million instead of the few dollars I had obtained, I 
Avould cheerfully have dispensed it all. As it was, everything- 
of the slightest value not absolutely indispensable to my com- 
fort, from a suit of clothes to a soda cracker, Avas distributed 
among my friends and messmates ; and passing through the 
lines of comrades clraAA'n up to bid me " God-speed," I Ibund 
both hands inadequate to the task of giving " a last shake." 
With nothing but a haversack, and that but meagrely fitted, I 
experienced but little delay in passing my examinations, and 
emerged among the first into the free air. On our Avay 
doAvn the river on the contemptibie little craft furnished by 
the Confederacy, Avhilst intoxicated Avith joy, mingled A\ith I'c- 
gret that there Avere not more Avitli us, I Avas startled from my 
delicious dreamings by hearing that my intense and unscru|)u- 
lous enemy AtAvood, had been left beliind, — and, more start- 
ling still, — Avas told that he had charged me Avith being the- 
cause of it — as if anything but a snake could hold venom at 
such a moment. Unconscious as I Avas, up to that instant, 
that he Avas not on board, — our party having been sepai-ated 
on reaching the vessel, — I could hardly l)elieve my own ears, as 
I Avas confident I had seen liim all ready to be examined just 
as I stepped from the hall. Somewhat dampened in my exu- 
berance by this ill-timed slander, I Avas proportionately re- 
joiced to hear from Capt. Cockman and Capt Johnson the 
true A^erson of his return — they being selected by the Sur- 
geon of the hospital, owing to their sickness, in place of At- 
Avood and my old friend Douglass, Avhose names happening to 
be at the head of the list of Captains, Avere stricken off by 



51 

Major Turner himself, at the last moment. One week after- 
wards they were both released, and I only mention the cir- 
cumstance to show the fiendish spirit of this cowardly crea- 
ture, who fastened with devilish hate on every incident that 
could, by misrepresentation or downright falsification, be laid 
to my account. 

On reaching Washington, I was still more disagreeably sur 
prised to hear from Gen. Meade that charges seriously reflect- 
ing on my honor and loyalty had been made, by Col. Streight 
and others, to the Honorable Secretary of War, who was ex- 
ceedingly angered at me in consequence. Repairing imme- 
diately to the War Department, I saw Gen. Canby, who as- 
sured me that he had no Jcnowledge of such charges. I then 
called on Major-Gen. Hitchcock, and after two hours' conver- 
sation with him on other subjects, learned also from him that 
nothing of the kind had been brought to his notice. Con- 
vinced tliat there must be some error in the matter, I was on 
the point of leaving for home when I received a note from Col. 
Hoffman, Commissary-General of Prisoners, requesting me to 
call at his office. I did so, and was informed that I must con- 
sider myself under arrest, and remain in my hotel until the 
matter could be investigated. On the next day, my friend 
Gen. Wadsworth, indignant at the treatment imposed upon 
me, called on Mr. Stanton, and in the most energetic manner 
protested against it. The day following, 1 wrote to Mr. Stan- 
ton, requesting a Court of Inquiry, and claiming the right to 
be considered and treated as an innocent man until tried and 
proven otherwise. To this the only answer was an order re- 
leasing me from arrest, and permitting me to visit my family 
and home, which I was not to leave until so directed, holding 
myself ready to meet any charges that might be brought 
against me by any officer, a fellow prisoner of war with me in 
Richmond. Two months had nearly elapsed, when, finding 
myself exchanged, I wrote to the Adjutant-General again, re- 
questing an immediate trial, or assignment to duty. To this 
the only reply was a summary dismissal from the service, no- 
tice of which was received through the public papers. I ini- 
mediately repaired to Washington, aud endeavored to see tha 



52 

President. Failing in tliis, owing to the pressure of public 
business, I returned home, and in October again visited the 
Capitol, where I remained until I effected my object, by being 
ordered to appear before your honorable Commission, where 
I learned for the first time the nature of the charges and the 
names of my accusers. . 

THE DEFENCE. 

Such, upon my honor as a gentleman and a soldier, is the 
lionest record of my experiences as a prisoner of War. Let 
me now attempt a brief examination of the charges against 
me. 

And, first, a word or two as to my accusers. Why are Gen. 
Dow and Corporal Taylor thus arraigned against me ? 

It is hard for one so ftilsely and treacherously assailed as I 
have been by these men, to restrain his honest indignation ; 
but I shall abstain from all invective, and respectfully refer 
your Honorable Commission to the evidence as to the motives 
which have made these persons my bitter enemies. 

Gen. Dow sufficiently discloses the cause of his animosity 
to me in his own letter. He states : "After my protest to Gen. 
Winder against the cruel treatment of my soldiers at Belle 
Jsle, I was not permitted to visit them any more, and the busi- 
aiess of distributing the clothing to the soldiers— all of Avhich 
'was sent to me — was put into his hands." And again, " The 
U. S. Sanitary Commission sent a great quantity of supplies 
to me for distribution, but the Rebels put them into the hands 
of Col. Sanderson." 

The General here makes two positive misstatements ; for it 
is not true that the Sanitary supplies were ever placed in my 
hands for distribution, or that I had at any time a personal 
control over them ; nor did I immediately succeed him in the 
business of distributing the U. S. clothing as he implies in his 
letter, as it is clearly and indisputably shown that other officers 
took his place and had charge for weeks before I was appointed. 
But, aside from these misstatements, we reach the cause of his 
•choler. 



5'6 

To' be ousted from his high position bv Rebel authority; su- 
perseded by officers of inferior rank, and the great honors he' 
so ostentatiously flaunted, thus suddenly stripped from him, 
^vere am'ple causes for any display of venom, and sufficient to 
embitter him against any successor, but especially one who 
had dared to speak lightly of his ability, and objected to his 
companionship. It is :-.ot so stated in the testimony presented 
because I' deemed it almost too puerile to mention in my 
queries to the parties cognizant of the fact, but I can perso- 
nally relate another and a secret motive for this gentleman's 
antagonism to me, which, although of the pettiest nature, is 
strongly characteristic of my foe. After the incident referred 

to on page of my narrative, an officer whose name has 

passed from my memory, approached Col. Tilden and myself 
and stated that General Neal Dow was daily expected to ar- 
rive from Mobile, and that he would then be the ranking offi- 
cer, and as tve had the best mess in the prison, he suggested the 
propriety of inviting him to join us. To this I quickly ob- 
jected on the ground "that Neal Dow, in my opinion, was 
neither a soldier nor a gentleman ; and for my part I declined 
all association or companionsliip with him, especially as his. 
rank would seemingly entitle him to immunity from cooking 
and cleaning, and I did'nt care to do the dirty work of any 
man be his rank never so high." Laboring under the disad- 
vantage of placing before you- only just such testimony as my 
comrades may choose to furnish, it is impossible for me to 
prove that this remark ever came to his ears ; but, were I 
permitted to examine certain gentlemen under oath, among 
them General Dow himself, I entertain but little doubt of my 
ability to substantiate my statement. At all events, as he 
says, and I concur in, " there was no intercourse between us, 
although our quarters were close together." 

As to the causes of General Dow's removal by the Confed- 
erateSj I do not propose to examine or criticise them. Every 
officer that visited the Island, unite in branding the treatment 
of our men as brutal, inhuman and savage, and no one felt 
that more keenly than I did ; but that it was politic or wise 
so to characterize the conduct of pur jailors in a paper evi- 



54 

dently intended to produce an amelioration of that treatment, 
is at least debatable. Having no shortcomings to gloss over, 
no suspicious circumstances to obscure, and no political aspira- 
tions to nurture, I did not deem it necessary to couch ray re- 
>-quests in threatening terms, nor ventilate my patriotism in 
the " spread eagle" fashion. When I asked a favor for my 
-suffering comrades, I plead for it Avith tears in my eyes, and 
when I protested, as my fellow-officers have testified, I did 
"it in a manly and frank manner. That mine was the better 
method is evidenced by the statement of the men v\^ho swear 
that after my visits to the Island ceased, their ration was 
reduced. 

The enmity of Corporal Taylor is of a more legitimate char- 
•acter, and is based on recognized grounds. Acting for a time 
'as an issuing Clerk he was detected in the act of appropriating 
certain articles of clothing without permission, and punished 
by a return to the encampment, and the refusal on my part to 
allow him to draw anything from the general stock. Of course 
this enraged him. 

" No thiff e'er folt the halter draw. 
AVith good opinion of the law!" 

and doubtless Mr. Corporal Taylor feels that he is a much ag- 
grieved individual, and will spare no effort to impress me Avith 
the fact, urging at the moment, if I recollect aright, that he 
Avantcd the articles, and didn't consider it stealing to take 
them. I dissented, hence his Avoe. 

So much for the animus ; let us noAv examine the nature of 
their charges. 

And at this point, let me call the attention of your Honora- 
ble Commission to the ingenious and artfully Avorded letter of 
General Dow. The Avriter asserts noilnng, as of his oaami knoAvl- 
edge, but expresses' his convictions and his iJioiujJds, throAving 
upon other shoulders the burden of this most foul accusation. 
To crush and ruin a brother officer, he Aveaves a cunningly de- 
vised tissue of vague charges upon hearsay' 'iestivAonj. The 
evidence, as it stands, seems insufficient to conA"ict of the 
smallest offence ; hoAv much less to condemn' me to a future 
■of shame Avorse than death itself. 



55 

But I desire to take no exception, even to this hearsay tes- 
-Ttiru'onyi"-- '■ ' ■ ■ . .- < . '. ■■''•(.;,- ■.- 

" What T ilid, I did in honor. 
Led by the impartial Cvjuduct of my soul ; 
And never gball you see that I will beg 
, If truth and upright innocency fail me." 

fortunately for me, the abundant and overwhelming testi- 
mony,— entirely voluntary, as you know, — of those of my fel • 
-low prisoners whom I have been able to reach, enables me to 
-dispense with any such technical plea. I ought to add here 
that I have addi'esseil over 150 letters, to my brother officers, 
but many of them being in Sherman's and Thomas' armies, 
whilst others ,.aro entirely out of the service, leaving no 
clue to their whereabouts, their replies have not yet 
reached me, although in some cases, I have written as 
often as three times to different points. Should your Honora- 
ble Commission, however, desire further testimony, or require 
greater elucidation of any point, I would respectfully ask to 
be permitted to add these statements as they are received. 

Those charges which, as you will observe, are made neither 
on honor nor on oath, may be placed under four heads, viz. : — 

1st. Disloyalty. 

2d. Cruelty to Federal Prisoners. 

3d. Misappropriation of stores sent by the Government or 
by the U. S. Sanitary Commission. 
4th. Disclosure of a plot to escape. 

1st. Disloyalty — 

In support of this charge. Gen, Dov/ offers the following 
proof: — 

■ ■ " The conviction among the officers generally was, that he 
was disloyal, had little or no sympathy with our cause, but 
much for the Rebels. On that ]) o'mt I thinJc Col. Streight is 
particularly informed." , 

■ '^ To this charge I respectfully oppose the following frank and 
:full statement of my past military career. 

At the commencement of this conflict, I was known as an 



m 

"Old Lino Whig," very conservative in my ideas, and some- 
Avliat Pro-Slavery in my proclivities. Holding a lucrative and 
confidential position in the New-York Hotel, (celebrated astlief' 
sojourning place of the Southerners,) all iny associations tended 
to strengthen these sentiments ; but, when that •' Tittle cloud nO' 
bigger than a man's hand" appeared on the horizon — when a 
minor section threatened the disruption of a great Republic — 
and countless hordes arrayed themselves against one little- 
band of heroes in Fort Sumpter — my Southern sympathy and ' 
my conservative views melted into thin air, and I felt that the- 
time had come for every true man to range himself openly 
under the banner of Freedom and Unity, or cling to Despot- 
ism and Slavery. Without an instant's hesitation, I made my 
choice. At the first call for men and money, I gave all of both 
at my command. Endorsed unanimously by the Union De- 
fence Committee, aud other prominent citizens of my State, I 
sought employment in the Subsistence Department ; and was 
one of four bidders for the first batch of Treasury notes. At 
this moment my employer, hearing of my motions, ingeniously 
fastened a quarrel on me ; and, at one day's notice, dismissed 
me from his establishment, i^s my connection with this sus- 
pected resort has been quoted by those high in authority to 
my disadvantage, I embody herewith certain publications re- 
lating thereto. 

On the 29th May, 1861, (a few days after my dismissal,) 
there appeared in the New-Yorlv Trihiine the following para- 
graph : — 

"an AMERICAN SOYER." 

" We learn that Mr. James M. Sanderson, who has been for 
several years the Steward and purveyor of the New-York 
Hotel, has been dismissed from his place on account of his. 
Union sentiments, and that he intends doing for our own 
Army what Soyer did for the British troops in the Crimea — 
teach them how to preserve their lives by cooking their food 
properly. Mr. Sanderson is both a scientific and practical 
cook, and comprehends the principles of the cuisine as well, 
perhaps as any man who has written upon the subject, from, 
Vatel to Careme. If he were to go upon a culinary campaign. 



57~ 

among our troops, he might render them most important ser- 
vices l3y a few simple practical directions^ as well as be the 
means of saving some thousands of dollars' to the Commissa- 
riats If it be true that beans kill inore of our men than bul- 
lets, a head Cook is of more importance to our Army than a 
head Surgeon. It will be a great blessing to the Country if ' 
the services of so capable a man as Mr. Sakderson could be 
secured for this purpose." ^ 

On the following morning there appeared, in the same paper^. 

"a card from MR. H. CRANSTON." 

" To the Editor of the Tribune .• ■ 

" Sir, — I was supprised to learn from your paper of this 
morning's issue, that James M. Sanderson, " who has been for 
some years steward and purveyor of the N. Y. Hotel, has been 
dismissed from his place on account of his Union sentiments.*'' 
I have only to say in answer to this statement, that I have 
had no conversation with Mr. Sanderson on the subject of 
politics, and that my reasons for dismissing him have nothing 
whatever to do Avitli his Union sentiments, or any other senti- 
ments, as Mr. Sanderson well knows. The private opinions 
of my clerks are matters with Avhich I have neither the right 
nor the disposition to interfere. It is only necessar}^ for them, 
to perform their respective duties, as I endeavor to perform, 
mine, not only to my guests but to my emplo3'ees and my 
country ; and I claim the right to engage and to discharge- 
men without being subjected to newspaper misrepresenta- 
tions." 

"HIRAM CRANSTON. 

" N. Y. Hotel, May 29, 1831." 

To this I made the subjoined response : 

" a reply to MR. H. CRANSTON. 

" To the Editor of the N. Y. Trihune : 

Sir, — I did not write the article in your journal headed ' An 
American Soyer,' nor see it until after its issue, but, to the, 
best of my belief, it is substantially correct. 

" In Mr. Hiram Cranston's answer thereto he makes some 
grave misstatements. He says that he had had no conversa- 
tion with Mr. Sanderson on the subject of politics. He has. 
had such a conversation within the past tAvo weeks, and as 
bitter a discussion as our, relative positions would permit. H-e 
asserts " that he performs his duty to his country." True, he; 



5a 

'Commits no overt act of treason, for which the wholesome 
:<lread of a . traitor's doom may in some degree account. ... 

" As to my, making arrangements of a business character, — 
the imphed cause in hi,'^ note of dismissal, — I do confess it. 
*Self respect would , not permit me to hold any position under 
.Mr. Cranston, aftev. the expiration of the term agreed upon— 
the 1st of August proximo ; and I do also confess that I have 
lieen, and am still, endeavoring to obtain an honorable posi- 
tion under that Government and that flag which his' traitor- 
ous confederates are striving- to subvert and trample upon. 
" Very respectfully yours, 

" JAMES M. SANDERSON. 
■** PiEEREPoNT House, Brooklyn, 
"May 30th, 1861." 

This shot proving too much for my antagonist, he aban- 
'doned the public prints, and sought revenge by preferring 
charges against me in a Masonic Lodge, of which we were 
both members. With my resolution unchanged, and in hopes 
that my peculiar speciality as a gastronomist might prove ser- 
vicable in preserving life, I repaired to the Capitol, and, un- 
'der the auspices of the Sanitary Commission, sought to intro- 
duce a plan for teaching the soldiers how to cook their ra- 
tions. Unsuccessful in my efforts to bring it to the favorable 
notice of the then Secretary of War, I returned to New-York, 
and at the request of the principal members of the Sanitary 
Commission, visited Albany, and disclosed my plan to his Ex- 
cellency E. D. Morgan, then Governor of the State, and his 
■Snrgeon-in- Chief. My ideas being approved by the latter, I 
was authorized by the former to return to Washington, and 
test, in some of the New-York regiments, their practicability. 
'Two weeks sufficing to prove this, I condensed as briefly as 
possible the details of my plan, and placed them before the 
leading Regular and Volunteer officers, b}^ whom they were 
unanimously recommended. With these endorsements, I 
knocked loudly and persistently at the doors of Congress, bitt 
as all was in confusion and dismay, there as well as elsewhere, 
T had my labor for my pains ; and out of heart and out of 
Ifunds, turned my face homeward. , Before leaving the city, 
Ihowever, I applied at the War Department for the papers de- 



m 

posited there, advocating' my appointment as commissary. On 
learning my object, Mr. Cameron, kno^ving my anteeedetft'8, 
ordered my appointment' to be made out. On calling the 
next day, I was informed that no vacancy existed in the covet- 
•ed department. Somewhat disgusted at this intelligence, I 
again started for home, determined to take a hand in the 
fight even on my own hook. On making my intentions known 
to the Hon. Henry Wilson, he immediately offered me the 
position of Quartermaster of his new regiment — the Twenty- 
second Massachusetts — then about to be recruited. This I 
instantly accepted, and after a brief sojourn at home, pre- 
sented myself at the city of Boston, ready for duty. Whilst 
there, I received notice of my appointment as Commissary, 
but feeling some pride in the organization to which I had 
been, though for a short time, attached, I asked and obtain- 
ed permission to remain with it until ready to leave for the 
front. On the 20th October, having comfortably located the 
regiment, in its first camp on HalFs Hill, Ya., I reported for 
duty to the Subsistence Department, and was assigned to the 
staff of the brave and lamented Wadsworth, who had applied 
for me as soon as he heard of ni}' appointment. With him I 
remained until he was transferred to the Military Governor- 
ship of the Defences of Washington. During that winter, 
finding my official duties by no means onerous, I filled up my 
leisure time by putting into form my experiences in camp 
cooking, which I presented to the Government, by whom it 
■was published and distributed everywhere. 

After Gen. Wadsworth's departure, I was selected by Maj, 
Gen. McDowell, as Chief Commissary of the First Corps, 
which position I retained to the day of its disbandment. In 
July, 1862, I was promoted, at the personal solicitation of my 
Comma-nding General, to the rank of Major and Additional 
Aid-de-Camp ; and, in the following January, was made Lieut. 
Colonel, at the request of mv then Commander, Major-General 
John F.Reynolds. Although as a Commissary, strictly speak- 
ing, I was a non-combatant, I ahvays claimed the right, by vir- 
tue of my commission as Major to act as xVid on the field of 
battle ; and am proud to say that !■ have never been absent 



60 

from any engagement in Avhicli my General took part, and 
never hesitated to go where he led or ordered me. In this 
way I participated in the battle of Cedar Mountain, the Banks 
of the Rappahannock, and the battles of Mannassas and Sec» 
end Bull Run, under General McDowell; South Mountain and 
Antietam, under General Hooker ; Fredcrickslnirg, Chancel- 
lorsville, and Gettysburg, under Generals Reynolds and New- 
ton. If Brigadier-General Neal Dow can present a better rec- 
ord or show more devotion to our cause, I am quite sure Ms 
friends would be pleased to see it; and, if I have exhiliited no 
sympathy with the Union cause, I should be glad to learn how 
it is to be done. The second specification of this most irregu- 
lar charge is tlius speciously Avorded : — 

" My conviction was that Col. Sanderson had no sympathy 
with the Union cause. His conversation, so far as I knew of 
it, indicated a decided hostility to the Administration and its 
measures ; and certainly he manifested no kindly feeling to- 
wards our soldiers, who were suffering so nmch in their 
Country's service." 

For once, my venerable antagonist ventures to break from 
the guardianship of his friends, Streiglit and Atwood, and 
state something of his own knowledge, hmited though it be 
even by his own showing. But my accuser has thus plunged 
into a dilemma, from which no witness can rescue him. Out 
of the large amount of testimony presented to your Honorable 
Commission herewith, every officer that touches the subject 
at all tells you most decidedly the contrary. From the high- 
est to the lowest, on one point at least, they are emphatic and 
unanimous, and that is, that I was not only an earnest upholder 
of the Administration and the Government, but also a most 
consistent advocate of all its measures, while in prison. 

But, supposing the allegation of the subtle politician was 
strictly true — allowing that I was an opponent of the Admin- 
istration, I would respectfully ask, When did that become a 
crime in the United States ? I frankly acknowledge that I 
did not vote for Abraham Lincoln in the Presidential election 
of 1860. Relying on my rights as an American citizen ; en- 
titled by birth and residence to all the privileges incident 
thereto: — the right of franchise, freedom of opinion, and lib-' 



M 

erty of speech ; and hardly prepared to beheve the principles 
of the Republican party as most conducive to the prosperity 
and perpetuity of the country, I gave my support to Ste- 
phen A.. Douglas, being the first and only time I ever voted a 
Democratic ticket. But when I found that a section of that 
organization declared that the will of the majority, as mani- 
fested by Mr. Lincoln's election, should not be respected, I did 
not hesitate an instant in repudiating such heresies or in aban- 
doning such a party. I do not blush at making this admis- 
sion, nor do I take credit for having, at the recent election, 
joined the governing party, as I sincerely belive it will not 
influence the judgment of this Honorable Commission one 
iota. With the alternatives presented at this crisis, the pro- 
per course to me appeared clear; for, whilst I am without the 
hope of finding here below perfection either in party or parti- 
san, I am content to accept any man as the banner-bearer of 
my political principles, whose antecedents and actions do not 
give the lie to his professions ; and, as I shall never be an ap- 
plicant for governmental patronage, it is a matter of perfect 
indifference whether the party in power is cognizant of my 
proclivities or not. For the present Chief Magistrate I have 
no particular predilection and, should occasion require, would 
vote against him to-morrow, if any other man of the same 
party should be found more fitting or available. As none 
such was presented to me, I had no choice; and, therefore, 
yielded to the situation. This much I say, to show that I seek 
no favor on account of my political preferences or principles- 
I am, fortunately, no bigoted politician nor blatant partisan; 
and my services as an advocate are not to be secured by hopes 
of office or lust of power — ■ 

" I care for measures more than men, but think 
Some little may depend upon the men ; 
Something in fires depends upon the grate.'" 

A volunteer in this conflict, I only asked to be placed where 
I could do most service, and whatever promotion I may have 
attained has resulted from the manner in which I have per- 
formed that service. Of the truth of this my Commanders 



62! 

ajiid, associates offer ample testimony, rendering any remarks 
from me unnecessary. 

As regards my " manifesting no kindly feeling towards our 
soldiers who were sulfering so much in their country's servi- 
ces," I eagerly join issue with my aged accuser, and would 
gladly match him, could I meet him face to face before your 
Honorable Commission, or any other tribunal — act to act or 
result to result — whether in Libby Prison or on Belle Island. 
To be sure, I made no '• high-falutin" speeches, nor any at- 
tempt to fill empty bellies with fiowery promises ; neither did 
I preach impossible virtues for impracticable vices ; but, if 
imbuing men with self-respect, organizing resistance to trained 
outrages, exercising a wise and strict impartiality in my offi- 
cial duties, restraining the vicious and brutal, visiting the sick 
and needy, and mitigating to the extent of my power, the- 
rigor and severity of their keepers, are to be counted as indices 
of kindly feeling, I will proudly exhibit my record against 
any man in that prison from At^^'Ood to Dow, including 
Str eight. 

As a feeble addendum to this charge of Dow's, I would add 
the statement of his humble coadjutor. Corporal Taylor, who 
adds, en passant, " that he saw Col. Sanderson very intimate 
with some of the Rebel officers, and appeared to have private 
conversations with them, but does not know what passed upon 
those occasions." My answer to this charge, other than a ref- 
erence to the testimony of very nearly every witness, is sim- 
ple and brief. Extending to me the courtesy of gentlemen, I 
did not feel called upon to repel the politenesses of my keep- 
ers, or destroy my influence for good by an unnecessary or 
impolitic coolness. Intimate with Southern peculiarities, I 
kncAV that a courteous demeanor and gentlemanly address 
carried much weight with them, and as I had everything to 
gain and nothing to lose by such conduct, I did not care to 
depart from my usual manner of meeting strangers, especially 
as I did not dream that my loyalty required Corporal Taylor's 
stamp to prevent its being deemed counterfeit. That I did 
not take this fellow into my confidence, and make him a par- 
ticipant in my private conversations, arises, possibly, from. 



63 

ii ■ 

some '^old-fogy" ideas as to the fitness of things, and a dis- 
tinction between an officer and his subordinates. I would re- 
spectfully suggest, however, that that intimacy could not have 
been of a very secret character which was carried on in open 
air, within the scope of a thousand prying eyes. 

The second charge against me is, " Cruelty to Federal pris- 
oners." This accusation, I confess, pains me as greatly as it 
astonishes. From my earliest manhood accustomed to com- 
mand, with the right to punish, and the power to reward, I 
did not find, on entering the arm}^, that awkwardness in deal- 
ing with those under me so incident to those unused to con- 
trol others. For many years at the head of a large hotel,, 
where system was a necessity and obedience obligatory, I 
have always been regarded as strict, but just, as severe but 
impartial, ever ready to recognize and reward merit, and 
equally prepared to resent impertinence or disrespect, and 
punish disobedience or laxity. Were it necessary, I could 
bring a thousand testimonials from my former employees, 
both black and white, but few of whom would speak of me as 
other than kind and mercifnl. Striving through life " to do unto 
others as I would have them do unto me," I. would not strike 
an enemy when down, or hold malice against any one confess- 
ing his fault. I have never taken the life of any living thing 
save a rat or a fly, and if there is any cruelty in my character 
or composition it has been but lately developed. Hasty and 
passionate, I know myself to be, but unjust or brutal— ?ieyer f 
Emphatic in my language, and strong in my denunciations un- 
der a feeling of wrong or injustice, I have, nevertheless, 
schooled m3\self of late years to avoid, almost entirely, profane 
or vulgar expressions, judge then of my astonishment on 
learning, through Brigadier General Neal Dow, that in my 
intercourse with our soldiers I was "always harsh and cruel,'' 
and accosted them habitually " with oaths, curses and bitter 
revilings," causing many of them " to be bucked and gagged" 
for ivJiat ? From all T can gather, after scrutinizing the vari- 
ous specifications under this head, it was simply because these 
poor fellows applied to me for clothing. Pray, for what else 
was I there ? If the distribution of these articles was so pain- 



ful why did I not retire from the dreadful task or call upon 
■one or more of my colleagues to aid me ? I was not 
obliged to retain the position one instant longer than 
was agreeable, nor would my brother officers in that Commit- 
tee have permitted me to e:Sercise the power invested in me, 
had my barbarities been so gross or so [patent as my enemy 
would have you believe ? Cols. Boyd, Hunter, Von Schrader 
and Archer, are not only gentlemen but loyal and brave men, 
and I cannot believe nor dare Neal Dow say, that they would 
passively have submitted to such cruelty on my part, or have 
•consented to serve in any capacity with such a brute. With 
them my intercourse was constant, confiding and intimate, and 
1 have yefto hear from any of them a word of condemnation 
or rebuke, although we had frequent discussions and differ- 
ences as to our official duties and policy, i/" these gentlemen 
were as cognizant of my misconduct, as Neal Dow would im- 
pl}', I would unhesitatingly brand them as cowards and base 
accomplices in acts more reprehensible than those of our ac- 
cursed foe — than Winder himself. 

And may I not, very pertinently, ask hero why Brigadier 
^G-eneral Neal Dow Idmself, supported by his high rank, forti- 
iied by his irrepressible philanthropy, and nevcr-to-be-too- 
loudly vaunted patriotism, and backed by a thousand loyal men; 
why did not lie arrest me in this uninterrupted course of cruel- 
ty and inhumanity ? "An ounce of prevention is worth a 
pound of cure," and with my outspoken and persistent advo- 
cacy of the doctrine of " respect for rank," he had every 
assurance that I would hear, if I did not heed ; that I would 
answer, if I did not obey. AVhy not then have sought by pro- 
tests and by complaint to have placed some limit to my un- 
equalled barbarity, my inexcusable crime ? 

Thus much for generalities. 

Let me now examine in detail : 

And first on the record comes my unfortunate act of kick- 
ing Berry. This affair I have already recounted at great 
length, and will only refer to it to repeat my acknowledge- 
ments of its error, and express my deep regret at its occur- 
rence, and say in all sincerity that 



'• If hearty soitoav 
Be a suflBcieat ransom for offence, 
I tender it here." 

The next item is as follows :— 

" One poor fellow, barefooted, asked for shoes ; and received 
curses instead — Capt. Atwood saw this. The next day but 
one, Capt. Atwood saw the same man brought out in a blank- 
et, with his feet badly frozen ; I think, he suffered amputa- 
tion." 

To answer this charge, I freely aver I find my knowledge 
of language too Aveak or my feelings too strong. To have 
concocted such a tale demanded a vindictiveness of hate and 
a fertility of imagination only to be found in the darkest 
ages and the warmest clime ; and when I characterized the 
nature of the charges against me in my letters to my friends, 
" as comprising every crime from petty larceny to constructive 
murder, ^^ I claim to be strictly within the limits of truth. With 
the knowledge that death must inevitably await the victim of 
sucli an operation, under the then existing scarcity of proper 
remedies in Richmond, General Neal Dow, in one single line, 
only excelled the Parthian by dipping his pointed barb in 
thrice distilled poison. He may be a philanthropist ; he may 
even be honest, as the world goes ; but, if he be a Christian, 
I beseech him to turn to the Decalogue, and treasure up that 
sacred command, " Thou slialt not hear false witness against thy 
neighbor." 

Foi'tunately for me, both time and testimony flatly contra- 
dict this most foul accusation. 

1st. Sergeant Toland swears that I never refused shoes to 
a barefooted man, except for causes which he enumerates. 

2d. Captain Atwood having ceased to visit Belle Island, on 
or before the 20th of December, and all the testimony con- 
curring that the first cold night did not occur until Christmas 
eve, four days after, Capt. Atwood'^s view O'f this unfortunate 
plan must have been in his own diseased imagination. 

3d. Those men who surrounded me,.' aad would have b^e^ 



most likely to have known the truth of such a statement, unite 
in declaring that they never heard of such an incident. 

As I cannot believe that your Honorable Commission can 
regard this artfully contrived accusation in any other light 
than I do, I will not occupy your time by further argument, 
but will proceed to the next in order. 

"His intercourse with the soldiers, was always with oaths, 
and curses, and bitter revilings. Many of these poor fellows 
he caused to be bucked and gagged. And this to half-starved 
and half-frozen men who had left friends, business, and com- 
fortable homes, in some cases luxurious homes, to help 
save their country from being blotted out from the map of 
Nations. Many of these men were educated gentlemen." 

Next to the denial of my utterance of disloyal sentiments, 
either by condemning my own Government, or upholding that 
of our enemy, no contradiction is so emphatic or so unanimous 
as that Avhich refers to my using profane, vulgar, or abusive 
language. Capt. Gharlier, a high-toned, polished Frenchman, 
educated in the best French Theological Colleges, and about 
to take holy orders, when news of this rebellion reaching him 
in Italy, induced him to forego the sacred calling to engage in 
one almost as holy, tells you in his statement that, " Unless I 
except the use of the word " damn," I never heard Lt.-Col. 
Sanderson make use of profane or vulgar language. He was 
•always refined in his intercourse with me, or with others in my 
presence. I even thought him religiously indliiGd." To appre- 
ciate at its full value, this temperate but strongly Avorded evi- 
dence, your Honorable Commission should see the deponent 
as I have seen him, rebuking in firm but courteous terms the 
profane and beastly horde that oftimes made night hideous 
with their scurrility and cursing. In Avords of fire I have 
heard him denounce the scoffer and the infidel, and send them 
sneaking, silently, into tho recesses of their own corrupt 
heart for refuge and sympathy, drawing forth by his manly 
and just indignation the spontaneous applause of every proper- 
man^ Such words from such a man carried a weight irresist- 



67 

able to tlie offender, and produced an effect which was grate- 
fully acknowledged by the better class among us. That such 
a man should feel justified in such praise of me, would fully 
^epay for any epithets of abuse heaped upon me by all the 
'spurious philanthropists of the age, were they ten times more 
active tlian Xeal Dow. Living near me, conversing with me 
almost hourly, and judging me by such criterions ashis skilled 
judgment would decide, I ask no better testimony, and can 
offer none. 

Why General Dow should Iiavc persisted in fastening upon 
me this unnecessary and ungcntlemanly vice, of habitual pro- 
fanity, I am unable to comprehend, except that it aided him 
in strengthening an otherwise impoverished case, and served 
to round his sentences. Of all that compan}', he alone, who 
^' had no intercourse with mo," lias been able to hear these hor- 
rible imprecations, those soul-killing profanities. Even Corp'l 
Taylor ignores them, and contents himself with characterizing 
my words as of a sportive nature. 

That I caused some men to be bucked is most true. Why I 
did so has already been stated, and so far from apologizing for 
it, I ask your applause. Ever}' account that has yet been 
published, every witness from among the enlisted men them- 
selves, whether on Belle Isle or Andersonville, tell you of that 
band of organized villains, of whicli no other gathering or 
community could produce a parallel. Unrestra-ined by any 
law human or divine ; unfettered b}- any principle of honor or 
patriotism ; unterrified by the resistance of the vigorous or 
the groans of the. weak ; unmoved by imprecations or prayers ; 
they prowled through the enc;impment like human vampires, 
sucking the life-blood of their associates, and intent only on 
plunder and rapine. Such men I buclicd. I could only pun- 
ish them homeopathically ; their comrades, wiien vested 
with the power, treated them more allopathically — they hung 
them ! Had Gen. Neal Dow been called upon, he would have 
tried moral suasion, or made a speech to them: whicli would 
tlien have been considered more cruel — He or I? Are these 
the men, *' some of them educated fgentlemen, who had left 
.friends, business, and homes — in some cases, luxurious homes," 



68 

for whom you are asked to shed your tears? Jail-birds, bounty- 
jumpers, and assassins! 

" On one occasion, (a cold day,) a squad of men, half starved, 
and pinched with cold, came out for clothes. At the head of 
the line, to be served first, was a soldier — curled up and shiv- 
ering — his hands in his poor apologies for pockets. With 
oaths and curses, Sanderson demanded, why he did not take 
the position of a soldier ; and drove the poor wretch to the 
tail of the line — to wait a long hour or two, as a punishment."' 

In corroboration of this, we find in Corp. Taylor's statement 
the following : — 

"Have seen Col. Sanderson standing with Rebel officers 
when some of the Union prisoners would approach with their 
hands in their pockets, in rags and tatters ; and Col. Sander- 
son, instead of commiserating their situation, would seem to 
make sport of them, and order them to take their hands out 
of their pockets." 

These two par^igraphs maybe included under one Specifica- 
tion ; and, as the offence charged is the same, I will consider 
it as an unity. As I have already stated, the men were brought 
out before me in squads, rarely exceeding sixty or seventy.. 
Their names having been already enrolled, it was not at all 
unlikely that the first called would be found at the end of the 
line instead of the head. As every one passed up in front, he 
received the usual caution to " take his hands out of his pock- 
ets, and assume the position of a soldier." Having the accu- 
rate state of his wardrobe recorded opposite to his name, it 
required hardly half a minute to issue the order for the neces- 
sary articles ; and, as Brig. Gen. Powell assures you, that " he 
could not but admire the prompt and systematic manner" in 
which I performed this business, you must take it for granted. 
thai he at least found no fault with that portion of my conduct.. 
With eight thousand men awaiting my motions, I was forced 
to be brief and decisive; and at no time was a single squad be- 
fore me "along hour or two," or in fact ever over half an hour.. 
But, in the very midst of my duties, I never lost sight of my 
position, nor permitted willful disrespect to pass unnoticed- 
Having been informed of their duty, nothing but absolute 



6d 

•deafness could justify, or positive obstinacy account for a non- 
compliance. An enlisted man, able to drag himself into the 
presence of a commissioned officer, under any plea whatever, 
is quite strong enough to stand in his presence in the position 
of a soldier. When they were brought before me by the aid 
of others, I waived form and ceremony and attended to them 
at once ; but to a man able to walk unsupported, I have yet 
to learn that keeping his hands in his pockets is either an aid 
or a curative. Nor do I recognize any lawful order of a supe- 
rior as implying degradation, in its performance, to the inferior. 
If that order is lawful, it is proper ; and the .very first section 
of the first article of the Army Regulations expressly requires 
that "all inferiors should obey such orders strictly, and exe- 
cute them with alacrity and good faith." But says my " war- 
ranted" accuser, ■' Col. Sanderson" would use harsh language 
towards them." When once convinced that a man could hear 
an order, his refusal to obey it was an insult which I resented 
in anything but a deprecatory tone and subdued manner; and 
the very fact of my being in the presence of an enemy would 
have incited me to show him that, if the private forgot his 
duty, the officer did not : and so Corp. Ttiylor discovered at a 
very early stage of his acqa lintancc with mc. There are offi- 
cers prone to implore men to do their duty, and I have even 
witnessed some exercising that method; but, I frankly confess 
that the only feeling I was inspired with, Avas a desire to re- 
verse their positions, quite satisfied that I should have the 
right man in the right place. 

" Occasionall}'-," says Corp. Taylor, " a man or so would 
•come out and ask for particular articles; and I have heard 
Col. Sanderson repeatedly use harsh language towards them 
•and order them away, calling them ' dirty fellows.' " 

The very fact of a man coming out occasionally to ask for a 
particular article, was a disobedience of orders and in direct 
■conflict with system and discipline. Laying out the work for 
each day, I only carried with me the papers "necessary for that 
"work; and, unless a man was in very great need, or suffering 
from gi-eat debility; no partiality could justly be shown with 



70 

out producing inextricable confusion,' and so they were in- 
formed. If persistent in their application, effectual meanSf 
were taken to remove the annoyance. As to my calling some 
of them "dirty fellows," I cannot deny it; and I regretted, 
then as now the necessity for such an epithet; but, as they 
w-ere the exception to the general rule and were literally en- 
titled to the designation, without, in my opinion, a legitimate 
cause for their filthiness, I do not offer any apology for the ap- 
pellation, excepting that they were verij dirty fellows, anJ 
alike a disgrace to themselves and a nuisance to their com- 
rades. Had there been no appliances for cleanliness, my re- 
proaches would have been unjust; but, with a broad river 
laving the very confines of their camp, to which they had con- 
venient and frequent access, there was no justification in their- 
presenting themselves before me in a condition of beastly filths 
That some men are inherently dirty admits of no denial; hence 
that section of Article 13, Rev. Army Reg. referring thereto- 
Even among the commissioned officers in Libby, there were 
those among us especially designated by the title of " Dirty 
This," or "Dirty That." 

After declaring that he had heard me order some of the 
men to be bucked, Corporal Taylor proceeds to say : " The 
reason Avhy he ordered them bucked, as he supposes, was, that 
they had sold some of their clothing for the purpose of obtain- 
ing food." That any man may sell his blanket for subsistence^ 
under an extreme pressure of hunger, 1 can readily understand^ 
but that his comrades should suffer on account of his improvi- 
dence, I am not prepared to admit. Had my stock been un- 
limited, the choice between food and raiment might have en- 
tered into my calculations, but with the materials placed at 
my disposal, no such choice was permitted me ; and as this 
abuse had grown to great proportions, the Corporal himself ad- 
mitting that "a considerable number of the Rebel guard were 
clothed in the United States clothing, much of which was ob- 
tained from the Union soldiers." I felt it was my duty to put 
a stop to it in some way, especially as those who sold their 
own. clothing did not hesitate to steal , from their comrades 
wh^;! opportunity presented ; and although I punished only 



-7-1 

the most flagrant cases brought to my notice, I am, neverthe- 
less, denounced as a tja-ant by this most patriotic soldier. 

But it was not all exchanged by the men, says this vera- 
cious witness, for "he saw Col. Sanderson, give some of it 
away to the Rebels," especially an over-coat to one man. This 
statement is " a lie out of the Avhole cloth," and is directly 
contradicted both by Mr. Toland and Mr. Saurman, the only 
clerks I have thus far been able to reach. 

The great poet tells us, 

" That in the captaiirs but a choleric word, 
•• Which in the soldier is flat blasphemy,'' 

but, in these leveling times, they would have us proclaim. 
" That a virtue in the private rank, iclikli in the officer is gross 
treason." The soldier may clothe the whole Rebel guard with- 
out reproach,- but his superior must not even exchange good 
words, lest his loyalt}" be questioned. For my own part, I 
can recollect of no incident on wdiicli such a charge could be 
based, unless some one of the Rebel non-commissioned officers 
may have been permitted to change a coat already purchased 
from some of our men. But even this is mere supposition on my 
part, and somewhat improbable, as many of the guard were pun- 
ished at my instance, for carrying on this traffic, wdiicli at one 
time became so crying a shame as to excite criticism even in 
the Confederate prints. 

'• Col. Sanderson seemed to have no patience with them, he 
seemed to use them more like brutes than men." 

For a refutation of this calumny, I refer your Honorable 
Commission to the testimony of every man or officer who 
speaks to that point, and were it possible for me to compel the 
attendance of every man confined on that Island, I Avould over- 
whelm you with evidences of m.y personal kindness and great 
patience with these unfortunate victims of Southern cruelty. 
With but a very limited amount of money, comparatively, 
four hundred dollars in greenbacks, most of it borrowed for 
the express purpose, 1 lent various sums to officers and men, 
a moiety of which I shall never see again ; and not a day passed 
over my head that I did not effect or attempt some act of 



kindness for these nnliappy and improvident creatures. The 
true character of my conduct in this respect, however, can 
never be arrived at save by the searching scrutiny of a Court 
of Inquiry, and I must content myself in this case by disprov- 
ing alleged vice without aiming to establish 'positive virtue. 
Nevertheless, I would particularly point you to the statements 
of Sergeant Toland, who is endorsed by Gen. Meade ; Private 
■ Saurman, Sergeant Pettys, and Private Morgan, endorsed by 
Lt.-Col. Northcott, and to the statements of those officers who 
took the pains to examine the men on the Island for the ex- 
press purpose of ascertaining the truth on this point. 

Let me now call your attention to the third charge of this 
most extraordinary indictment. " Misappropriation of stores 
-sent by the Government, or by the Sanitary Commission." 
To support it we have two specifications. One from Corporal 
Taylor, which has already been fully answered ; the other by 
Oen. Neal Dow, in these words : " The U. S. Sanitary Com- 
mission sent a great quantity of supplies ' to me, for distribu- 
tion, but the Rebels put them into the hands of Col. Sander- 
son. Only a small part of them was distributed. I am confi- 
<ie:-it that a part of them was given to the Rebels by Colonel 
Sanderson, besides what they stole, and Col. Sanderson ap- 
propriated to his own use a case of egg-nogg, that Avas mark- 
ed for the hospital." 

Of all the petty acts of this petty man, this is the pettiest ; 
and, like the wasp, it carries its sting in its tail. Were this 
the only charge against me, I would treat it with the ridicule 
it deserves, placing before you in its most ludicrous light, the 
enormous offence involved in the charge — that of robbing 
Neal Dow, the great Apostle of Temperance and Chief- Advo- 
cate of Cold Water, of Ms egg-nogg ! 

" Almost as bad, good mother, 
As kill a king, and marry with his brother." 

But added as it is to others of such grave import, " the irre- 
pressible spirit of fun," which generally actuates me, is 
silenced, and I;Can only answer it in sober sadness. 

One of a Committee of Five, which Gen. Dow takes especial 
<)are to ignore, I was specially assigned to the distribution of 



clotliing on Belle Island, leaving to Lt.-Colonels Von Schra- 
der and Hunter, and Capt. Chamberlain, the exclusive care 
'of this prisoners in the warehouses and hospitals, and to Lt.- 
Col. Boyd entire control of the accounts. At first it was in- 
tended that all the Sanitary Commission supplies should be 
exclusively reserved for the sick, and for a long time this in- 
itention was scrupulously observed ; but for reasons which I 
e>ither never knew, or have forgotten, it was suddenly deter- 
mined by the other members of the Committee, during my 
■absence, to divide them equally among the officers of the 
prison, who would be expected to pay to the Sanitary Com- 
mission, on their release, the cost of the articles allotted to 
them : and one of my messmates, Capt. Fobes, a commissary of 
subsistence, was selected, at the recommendation of Col. Von 
Schrader, and without my knowledge, as the most suitable 
person to transact this business. 

A day or two previous to this, however, happening to go to 
the room used by my colleagues for business purposes, and in 
which the choicest of these supplies were stored, I noticed a 
case of egg-nogg was broken open, and several bottles taken 
therefrom. Turning to one of the committee — Col. Hunter, 
I think — and Capt. Monroe, the Rebel officer in charge, I 
asked permission to take that box, agreeing to refund its cost 
to the Commission when released. To this Captain Monroe 
acceded, provided I would give him a receipt, which I did, in 
•duplicate, and carried the box myself to the prison, when I 
returned to my quarters. This article, as Capt. Fobes certi- 
fies, was charged to me, and I was prepared on reaching home 
to pay for it, but was informed that the Commission declined 
to receive pay, and I therefore spent the amount at the Fair 
Jield for its benefit subsequently in New-York. Like every 
•other article of luxury, such as condensed milk, canned meats, 
preserved fruits and jellies, and other articles of similar char- 
acter, the box was branded " Hospital Supplies," or words to 
that effect ; at least tliat is my impression ; and as all these 
articles were fairly distributed among my fellow prisoners, 
particularly Neal Dow and Col. A. D. Streight, I did not then 
nor non) consider myself personally amenable to the charge of 



u 

robbing the sick. But this little matter of division is not the 
only incident that appears to have escaped the recollection of 
my virtuous antagonist. One or two other points, to Avhich I 
will call his attention and that of your honorable Commission, 
are equally ignored. 

1st. These supplies were never, for one instant, in my hands 
or under my control ; consequently I could not. have given 
any portion, large or small, to the Rebels. In fict, it was only 
from the Ileljels tliemsclves that we could o1)taii) any of them 
for any pur[)0sc whatever ; and in parting with them, more 
than the usual amount of red tape was employed, the Avhol* 
thing being too good to part with easily. I have not the 
slightest doubt that many articles were used l)y them, but it 
would have l)een an insult to me to ask my leave to take 
stores over which I liad no counnand. 

2d. A very large share of these supplies vtas consumed in 
the hospitals, the store-rooms of each being filled with them' 
on the only two occasions I visited those institutions; and, as 
Col. LeFavour atates, "he received (juite a quantity of the 
stores from Capt. Fol)es; and, as far as ho is 4t\v:ire, all of the 
officers received a portion of them.'' Ajid Capt. Fobes him- 
self testifies : " Gen. Dow also received a large supply of 
stores, and gave his acknowledgements for the sameJ' 

3d. Considerable stress being laid by Gen. Dow on the fact 
of the article ap})ropriated by me being egg-nogg, it is fair to 
presume that this unwonted solicitude on his part arose from 
his fear of my making an improper use oF it. I, therefore, 
deem it my duty, in order to allay all anxiety in the mind of 
this distinguished Temperance Apostle, that this mixture (as 
prepared for the Sanitary Commission) contulnn no li<iuor I 

He also complains that I appropriated it to my oicn use. This 
is true : I did use it on the spot. Had I been a more provident 
and systematic rascal, 1 would have hrougJd if home icifh mc. 

To say more of this matter Avould perhaps invest it with 
undue importance, but as Gen. Neal Dow has criticised my 
stewardship so severely, might I not properly scrutinize his m 



T5 

return; even if, in doing so, I should be forced to descend to 
bis own low arena ? But were I to tell you that, in making 
this examination, I had discovered this honest and patriotic 
officer, entrusted by a noble charity as its almoner and fidu- 
ciary agent with the distribution of its much prized munifi- 
cence, to a band of noble and suffering comrades, had " appro- 
priated to his own use" a large amount of the most needed 
article ; and, whilst revelling in a superfluity, had coolly re- 
garded his unfortunate fellow-prisoners, during an inclement 
season, painfully passing the weary hours on the bare floor — 
or, worse yet, " sitting up all night" to avoid the possible 
contingency of freezing to death, you might justly suspect me 
of wilfully wronging this excellent man. But, should I go a 
step further and declare that this world-wide philanthropist — 
this national Reformer, overlooking the pressing needs of those 
who surrounded him — ''men half starved and half frozen, who 
had left friends, business, and comfortable homes — in some 
cases, luxurious homes, to help save their country from being 
blotted out from the map of nations — many of them educated 
gentlemen," — that this eloquent and loj^al enthusiast, gushing: 
with tears of pity and sobs of w^oe ; ignoring the immediate 
necessities of his brother officers had knowingly " and with 
malice aforethought," brought away with him. from that'dismal 
and cheerless den subsistence, clothing, and medicine to this 
a land of plenty, overflowing with milk and honey, you would 
pronounce the charge incredible and the emanation of a 
warped judgment and distorted mind. 

But, situated as I am, I would not have dared suspect such 
an act, had not Gen. Neal Dow himself given the clue ; but, 
on reading in his speech delivered at the City Hall in Port- 
land, that "he had brought two large trunks away with him,'* 
and unable to comprehend how anything possessed of the 
least soul could willingly deprive his comrades — much less, his 
messmates, of anything conducive to their comfort, whether 
books, subsistence, or clothing, I was induced to make the 
inquiry in my correspondence with my brother officers, and 
now present your Honorable Commission with the result. This 
difficulty between Gen. Dow^ and myself has not been of my 



seeking. Not liking him or his antecedents, I avoided himv 
Having enough of my own business to attend to, 1 had no 
time to devote to "his sayings and doings;" and, although I 
never considered him an honor to the cloth, I^ did not deem 
it my duty to act the spy upon his actions in order that he 
might " be dismissed the service." Even when "warned against 
liim and his black list, conscious of no wrong, I entertained no 
Ifear; and even now, when forced to repel his gratuitous as- 
tsaults and measure character for character, I exhume his bad 
•acts and anatomize his defects, as a surgeon would a corpse — 
'disliking the task, but necessitatod by love of science or truth 
1:0 endure the odor. 

But who accuses him of this meanest of meannesses ? Col. 
Hodgers, Col. Williams, Col. Farnsworth, Capt. Timony. Lt. 
-ILennig, and last and strongest, CV/p^. Hamlin. As you do not 
iprobably know this officer, let me explain "why I emphasize 
his name. When our chaplains, thinking after the comforts 
of home, and " the flesh-pots of Egypt," left us sick and sad, 
weary and in prison, without a spiritual adviser or religious 
.^«ide, a few gentlemen, humble "soldiers of the Cross," 
emerged from their obscurity, and modestly but firmly avowed 
ihemsclves followers of Ilim, Avho never deserts the needy 
iand penitent, and is to be found more frequently in the cot 
<of the lowly than in the temples of the great. These men; 
ithe only links between ourselves' and Christianity, in earnest 
and sincere words, nightly sent forth their prayers to the 
Oreat Deliverer for freedom from bondage, and besought us 
in gentle and persuasive terms to put our trust in Him. 
Visiting every room in turn, the hardiest ruffian and tlie 
greatest disbeliever refrained from interference, and respect- 
ed, if they did not heed them. Among them were Powell, 
Northcott, Whitesides, and Hamlin — brave officers in the 
cause of Freedom, they were true soldiers in the cause of 
Crod. Serene in temper and equable in mind, they stood un- 
moved amid the crash of character and the flood of slander 
.'that filled and permeated those prison halls, and Whilst at- 
tentive to their own aSffaiirs, were ever ready to give a helping 
J^nd to others. :-SuGh inieia, truthful themselves, despise the 



•77 

hypocrite, and manfully battle for the right, whether in pub- 
lic or private life. Prom one of them we have these words : 

" I was well acquainted with Gen. Neal Dow. I saw him 
take from the prison two trunks, when he left for the North. 

"I saw him pack the trunks. He did put some blankets in 
them. 

" The number of blankets General Dow saw fit to take up 
to Maine with him, I don't exactly know. I heard it was 
fourteen. I know he took several /" 

Capt. Hamlin slept within ten feet of Gen, Neal Dow, 
and had this knowledge thrust upon him ; he did not spy it 
out. 

Sterne it was, I believe, who passed a starving beggar to* 
sentimentalize over a dying jackass ; but it is left to Neal 
Dow to ignore the real sufferings of his brother officers, under 
his own eye, to bewail the imaginary woes of men he never 
saw. 

Having already directed his attention to " Holy Writ," let 
me now bring to his notice the next best book — Shakspeare ; 
wherein, if he seeks, he will find this passage, which I advise 
him "to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest :" 

" Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot 
That it cloth singe yourself : Ave may outrun 
By violent swiftness that which we run at, 
And lose by overrunning." 

I now approach the most important and most damning 
charge, one which has flown to the nethermost corners of the 
earth, on lightning wings, proclaiming me to all humanity, a 
tainted and accursed traitor. Born of an accident, it was cov- 
ertly taken, and carefully nursed by my enemies, who ingeni- 
ously concealed its growth, until circumstances enabled them 
to present it full-fledged, its first appearance in public having 
been skillfully manipulated by hints, inuendoes, and anonymous, 
advertisements. 

During the month of November, 1863, Dr. Spencer, Streight's 
own Surgeon, was released, and the first result of his libera- 
tion was a fulsome report of his leader's great raid (?) and a 



'78 

quiet little paragraph intimating that a certain well-known 
" Union Lieut.-Colonel had frustrated a plan of escape by dis- 
closing it to the Confederates." In the month of February, 
'64, a long statement Avas published in the "Washington Star, 
and copied in most of the leading journals, graphically por- 
traying the hardships of those who had escaped through the 
tunnel, and describing at full length the scene supposed to 
have taken place in Libby Prison, when it was found out that 
a certain Union Lieutenant-Colonel had betrayed our plan of 
escape to the Rebels, not one tuord of which was trite. At the 
moment of this publication but little hopes of an exchange 
were entertained, and the conspirators liad every reason to ex- 
pect ample time for tlie full development of their machinations. 
•Col. Streight, the foster parent of this charge, having escaped, 
himself took the field, and on every occasion, and in every 
place, from the private office of the Secretary of War to the 
■festal board of the Loyal League Club, elaborated and detailed 
my great crime. At the very moment when the poison was 
working strongest, I made my appearance, and in the very first 
stopping place, Annapolis, learned tliat certain Doctors had 
been circulating reports injurious to my character some time 
back. On reaching "Washington more definite information 
was given me. and by dint of exertion I succeeded in obtaining 
my first experience " under arrest." After months of labori- 
ous effort, I have at length gained a knowledge of this foul 
accusation, and find it worded thus, (tlie ifaJicshc'mi^ my own): 

" Early last fall, 'WC had arrangements nearly perfected for 
breaking out and capturing tlie City. He had about ] ,000 
officers and almost 10,000 soldiers there, and were carelessly 
guarded. Suddenly tve saw two pieces of artillery planted 
near and bearing on i(S, and some companies of soldiery sta- 
tioned in front of the prison. Soon u-e learned that Col. San- 
DERSOX had betrayed us to the Rebels, The indignation of 
the officers was very great, but it was finally allayed upon as- 
surances that there was no intention of communicating the se- 
cret beyond our own officers in the hospital. Of these matters 
I am not personally cognizant, but think Col. Streight Avill be 
able to substantiate them." 

"Will it be believed, gentlemen, that at this very instant of 



79 

time Brigadier-General Neal Dow, who writes as if he was 
present, was just one thousand miles distant from the location 
of the scene so clearly described ? Would it be deemed pos- 
sible, in this age, when an officer's word is considered equal to 
his oath, that any one holding such rank would deliberately 
set down and "write this most cruel statement as having oc- 
curred under his own eye, when, at the very moment he was 
so far distant that no known mode of locomotion in that coun- 
try could have transported him short of three days? To be 
sure, he says, " I am not personally cognizant of these mat- 
ters,'"' but is it the custom of truthful or just men thus to 
speak, when every word they utter, based on their high 
position, is calculated to destroy a fellow-creature's char- 
acter ? 

" Who Ftabs my name would stab my prison too, 
'■Did not the hangman's axe lie in the way." 

That a general officer, engaged in the service of his country, 
should so far demean himself, is I am proud to say, an anomaly; 
and Neal Dow did well when he resigned a commission he 
knew so little how to appreciate. That he was not cognizant. 
of the matters he here speaks of, would be very apparent had 
I been able to obtain a statement from Col. Ccsnola, but as 
that officer declines to inform us on tlie points in question, of 
"which he alone can speak by the book, I must depend upon 
others not so deeply versed in the details, to show how little 
he did know. From all the testimony I have been able to 
obtain, it appears that there was a very great diversity of 
sentiment as to all tlie plans of escape. What, in my opinion, 
was deemed thoughtful, feasible, and facile of execution, is 
branded by another as "wild and impracticable;" while what 
was esteemed bold and daring by some, was in the judgment 
of others " fool-liardy and murderous." The plan, that was 
in reality meant to be disclosed, was undoubtedly that des- 
cribed in my narrative, and my impression is, from all I can 
learn, that it leaked out through one Vermillion, a Union 
prisoner who was acting as hospital attendant, and learned it 
from Capt. Skelton, whilst in the hospital. 



• It is clear that Mr. Vermillion was possessed of none of the 
precise details, as the measures taken by the confederates 
fully revealed. How much Capt. Skelton told to Vermillion^ 
whom we then regarded as a trustworthy loyal man, I do not 
know, but it seems certain that Vermillion could onW have 
had a general view of the proposed plan, or else the open and 
active means to redress the attempt would not have been 
employed by the rebels in October, to quell an outbreak to 
culminate in December. I had hoped to receive Capt. SkeK 
ton's statement ere this, he having volunteered it on hearing 
of my arrest in Washington, but for reasons unknown to me 
it has not yet reached me, although I hope to be able to file 
it before my case is adjudicated, having not only written to 
him but advertised for him. 

Again, if I were the traitor Gen. Dow insinuates, would I 
not have betrayed the whole secret, and in a way to benefit 
the rebels ? As it was they were simply misled, and we in 
no way injured. And yet again, if the arrangements were 
"only nearly perfected, how were they frustrated ? If we had 
no intention of breaking out then, in what respect were we 
damaged by the untimely demonstration of our keepers? 
And last of all, what was I to gain by this act of treachery ? 
Men do not sacrifice all they hold dear for a whim. Nor will 
any sane man abandon name, honor, family and friends, with- 
out some compensating benefit. Every one they say has his 
price, but I have yet to hear at what figure I was purchased. 
I have been told since my liberation, that it was reported 
that I enjoyed unusual privileges — that I had the freedom of 
the City — that I was hand in glove with Jeff Davis and all 
the magnates of the Confederacy, — that in fact, I was having 
an unusual good time, and rather liked it than not. If to be 
cribbed, cabined, and confined with one thousand others in a 
loathsome, unclean and badl}' ventilated prison, witli a soft 
plank for my couch, and half rations for my fare, are unusual 
privileges, I had them. If, whilst engaged in the duties of 
my position, to be hurried through by-streets under escort of 
an armed guard, who would not permit me to make the com- 
imonest [purchase in any store, is enjoying the freedom of a 



81 

City, T had it to my heart's content ; and if the strongest in- 
terest could not avail to get me out of my prison for a few 
short hours, to see some life-long friends, is to be hand in 
glove with the dignitaries of rebeldom, I don't think much of 
their friendship, and trust I may never have a second experi- 
ence. But if these stories have ever been seriously believed, 
I here pronounce them unqualifiedly false, in gross and in 
detail, and challenge any one to show the slightest advantage 
enjoyed by me over my fellow prisoners, not shared in com- 
mon by every other member of the committee. 

As to Col. Streight's plan, it was not at that moment, nor at 
any other, as far as I can learn, fully decided upon. Rash, 
impetuous, and opposed to everything like discipline, none 
but those believing in muscle and a free fight could be induced 
to enlist under his banner, especially as many of the really 
courageous ofiicers in the prison, men like Col. Rose, had no 
confidence in his courage or stability. 

But apart from any argument, let me examine Gen. Dow's 
account of my treachery, and how it was received. 

" Soon we learned that Col. Sanderson had betrayed us to 
the rebels. The indignation of the ojfficers was very great, 
but it was finally allayed upon assurances that there wa;i no 
intention of communicating the secret beyond our own officers 
in the hospital." 

What rose-water rage must have filled our baffled 
braves, who when nearly ready to emerge from a ha- 
ted and loathsome prison, would permit any such reasons 
to stand between them and their just indignation ! Assuran- 
ces ! from whom? And how proven? Had an avalanche of 
my injured comrades hurled themselves upon me — one man — 
under the influence of such information, and torn me limb 
from limb, who would have blamed them? If an infuriated 
crowd, crazed by disappointment, had pressed me on every 
side, and with a thousand voices rained their execrations on 
my head, and demanded in tones of thunder the causes of my 
base action, who would not have praised them.? Had a 
chosen few, high-toned, honorable men, clothed in the dignity 
of ran|c and patriotism, and incited by virtuous, rage, called, 



82 

upon me and wrung from me the only assurances to be re- 
ceived on such a point, those of entire innocence, who would not 
have commended their moderation and patience ? Could 
every officer in that prison be placed before your honorable 
Commission and be forced to answer on oath that simple 
question : " Did you ever personally charge Col. Sanderson, or 
hear any other officer or person charge him with having betrayed 
any plan of escape to the Rebels ?" I pledge my soul that not 
one of them would, truthfully, reply in the affirmative. And 
why not ? Were they all afraid ? Could not one Bell-the-Cat 
be found among so many heroes, to crami my treacherous 
tongue down my recreant throat? Among that company 
of a thousand, they were not all cowards ! Hundreds of them 
had " sought the bubble reputation at the cannon's mouth ,"^ 
and dared " do all that may become a man," hut they did not 
da7'e do that ! And why ? Becatise they Icneiv it ivas a lie I 
\ Unarmed, sickly, and apparently an old man, there was noth- 
ing in my personal appearance, demeanor or antecedents to- 
strike such terror in martial breasts, or hold them in shivering 
awe, whilst discussing with bated breath, my damnable sin. 
Nine-tenths of them surpassed me in agility and personal 
strength, and yet it does not appear from the statements of 
my enemies, or the admissions of my friends, that this charge- 
was ever brought to my notice, save by one person, in a very 
cursory way, and then almost under a pledge of secrecy, with 
the assurance that no one, knowing the brutal source whence 
it emanated, attached the slightest credence to it. Powerless 
to act, at that moment, decisively and definitively, I was forced 
to defer all action until my good fortune should once again re- 
store me to my own lines, when I proposed, Government per- 
mitting, to afford this cowardly calumniator an opportunity of 
explaining, before his peers, certain incidents of his own mili- 
tary life and conduct, which in my opinion, required elucida- 
tion, especially this most flagrant and unsoldier-like act of tra- 
ducing and defaming a brother officer. That it has been for 
the interest, if not absolutely for the preservation of this person, 
that he should spare no effort to crush me, admits of no denial. 
A long continuance in error and wrong-doing had clearly brought 



83 

him under the ban of military law. Judging me by himself, and 
giving me credit for an inveteracy of hate equal to his own, he 
could not but believe me in earnest in my expressed intentions ; 
and was compelled to exercisealltheingenuity of his subtJeaud 
tortuous character to devise my downfall. Suspected, if not 
openly charged, by his command, and publicly denounced by 
the leading journals of his own party, of a base and cowardly 
surrender of the troops entrusted to his care ; and conscious of 
having violated one of the clearest and least disputable para- 
graphs of our military code, nothing was left him but trickery 
and falsehood. With the hope, and not a vain one, as it has 
subsequently appeared, he sought to cover up the disgrace of 
his surrender, by laboriously sought sympathy for his suffer- 
ings. In every account, industriously circulated throughout 
the length and the breadth of the land, harrowing descriptions 
were ingeniously foisted, of the sufferings of " Streight and 
his men," and so great was his anxiety to effect this result 
that, where ill-treatment was not willingly accorded, he willfully 
sought it. Where any officer permits himself to speak of this 
man, with but one or two exceptions, he speaks of him dispar- 
agingly ; and, in but a single instance does he obtain the ad- 
miration of any one, and in that only case, the compliment is 
most questionable. But Col. Streight mistook me. Appreci- 
ating the demoralizing- effect of such imprisonment, I knew 
that many animosities were engendered which rapidly disap- 
peared under the humanizing influences of freedom. For my- 
self, so grateful was the feeling of happiness at my liberation • 
so deep my horror of the evil passions brought to being in 
those prison cells ; that I sincerely desired to leave behind 
me every sentiment of hate and revenge, save of the common 
foe. And even whilst there I was as ready to forgive as to re- 
sent an injury, as ready to offer as receive an apology. The 
great struggle for the life of a nation gives ample scope and 
verge enough for the most contentious spirit, and before the 
grandeur of such a conflict all petty and personal differences 
sink into insignificance and shrink from the contrast. With 
such feelings Col. Streight had but little to fear from me un-r 
less compelled by duty to attack him, and I would even now 



.84 

spare him, were I not obliged to expose the cause of his in- 
tense hatred to me. As to the charge of having disclosed to 
any Rebel officer that Streight had organized a plan to break 
out and capture the City, I pronounce it an utter falsehood. I 
frankly confess that I never believed that Col. Streight had 
any plan which he had the courage to carry out, and if I spoke 
of it at all among my comrades, it was in the way of a joke or 
a sarcasm. 

But enough of him for the present : his ranking officer claim- 
ing my attention. Brig. Gen. Neal Dow states that " assur- 
ances were given that there was no intention of communicating 
the secret beyond our own officers in the Hospital;" and, upon 
these assurances, the "great indignation" of my fellow-prisoners 
" was allayed." If this be true, it is fair to suppose that these 
assurances whatever they were or by whom given, were 
deemed sufficiently saiisfactory to induce the parties in inter- 
est to disbelieve the charge and receive the party accused in 
full fellowship again. This being the case, why is that charge 
again revived ? What right has Gen. Dow, who was not pre- 
sent, and Col. Streight, my bitterest enemy, and therefore not 
qualified, to dispute a verdict rendered on the spot, and by 
those most competent to decide ? 

I think I have said enough to refute this most baseless cal- 
umny ; but, before dismissing the subject entirely, it will pos- 
sibly be expected of me to make some specific denial ; but I 
can hardly bring myself to the deep degradation of seriously 
stating that I was not guilty in thought, word, or deed of the 
atrocious act laid to my charge. Rather and better might I 
say, with old Belarius : 

'• My fault being nothing (as I have told you oft) 
But that two villains, whose false o^ths prevaii'd, 
Before my perfect honor, swore to Cymbeline, 
I was confederate with the Romans ;"' 

lest, however, some carping critic may urge this quibble against 
me, I do most solemnly and unequivocally affirm and declare, by 
all I hold most dear here or most sacred hereafter, without 
evasion or mental reservation of any kind whatsoever, that I 



85 

never in any way or under any circumstances, knowingly, in- 
tentionally, or willingly intimated, hinted, revealed, or disclosed 
any plot, plan, scheme, or intention having for its object or 
result the escape, flight, or liberation of any one or more of 
my fellow-prisoners— officers or privates, friend or foe, to any 
Confederate officer, official, or citizen. And I do also most sin 
cerely and religiously believe that no personal distinction or 
hopes of present comfort or future aggrandizement would 
have induced me to forego or abandon my share in any such 
enterprise, could it have been consummated or even attempted 
with any show of success. To have been the humble origina- 
tor of so brilliant an achievement would have filled to the ut- 
most my most sanguine hopes of glory, and would have been 
the proudest heir-loom I could have bestowed upon my family. 
There yet remains one other charge which might more 
properly be classed under the head of disloyalty, but as it en- 
genders certain feelings of a personal character, I have re- 
served it for the present. 

" Col. Sanderson was constantly defending the Rebels, and 
justifying them in their treatment of our soldiers, averring 
that they were properly treated." 

When Gen. Neal Dow wrote those lines he kneiv them to be 
false, and Avhen he proceeds to say, " Some of this I heard on 
one occasion, and interposed with the facts at Belle Isle, 
which existed under his observation," he duplicated the 
wrong. I have endorsed the only truthful statement in his 
letter — that there was no intercourse between us, — and can 
recollect but three occasions when words of any character 
were exchanged. Once when I made a demand for blankets, 
next when I reiterated that demand, and last when about 
leaving the prison, I transferred to him some medicines for 
distribution, a portion of which, I have since been informed, 
he brought away with him. Since my liberation I have been 
told that he was in the habit of talking at me. If this be so, 
'tis pity ; he had his labor for his pains. I heeded him not. 

That I sometimes contradicted, and corrected gross errors 
and misstatements made by the designing or ignorant is true. 
A good cause can never be bolstered by a lie ; whilst a bad 



86 

one may gain by the misrepresentations of its opponents. 
Tliat their conduct to us, as well as to the enlisted men was 
cowardly, cruel, and unusual among civilized people cannot 
be denied ; but their wrong does not justify our willful error, 
nor will their barbarities excuse our falsehood. Our griev- 
ances were many, too many, but we weakened their force when 
we fabricated or overstated them. As a gentleman and man 
of honor, I could not permit my silence to be construed into 
tacit acquiescence, and when an egregious error was brought 
to my notice, I corrected it as far as I could. That neither 
we nor the men were treated, as alleged, as badly as luc could 
he, is evidenced by the proofs of still greater barbarity visited 
upon them since our departure. 

Requiring no personal favors from tlie authorities of the 
prison, and obtaining none other than those inseperable from 
the necessities of my position, I was only anxious to secure 
their good feeling, in order to influence them for the benefit 
of others not so fortunate or so provident as myself, and that 
I did so is so stated by many of my companions. From long 
association fully cognizant of the southern character, I was 
aware that an outward courtesy and apparent gentlemanly 
demeanor went far to win their esteem. Accustomed by 
years of experience as a hotel keeper to all the observances 
of polite society, I found no difficulty in assuming a role by 
no means new to me. Thanks to my white beard and my 
being a stranger I was uniformly treated with kindness and 
courtesy by every one I came in contact with during my cap- 
tivity, with the single exception of a difficulty at Culpeper 
when a crowd of citizens and Baltimore roughs proposed to 
lynch me because, when charged, I openly avowed myself 
" an abolitionist." Carefully avoiding all unnecessary discus- 
sions on political subjects, outside of the prison, I never hesi- 
ted to acknowledge my principles when asked, or defend my 
government when challenged. 

But in addition to my love of truth, and my desire to stand 
well with my keepers, there was another reason for my con- 
duct of a peculiar and personal nature. My wife, with whom 
I had lived happily for nearly tioenty-five years, had been, 



87 

■during the earlier portion of my imprisonment, gradually 
passing from earth. A cruel and insidious disease was hourly 
sapping her life, and every communication from home brought 
fresh tidings of her decay. Prime among her griefs, although 
racked with bodily pains, was the idea of my sufferings. Im- 
mured in a loathsome prison, and enduring the horrors, almost 
•of " the middle passage," as the terrible accounts constantly 
published to the world gave her cause to suppose, her days 
were embittered and her nights disturbed by the thoughts of 
my privations, and in the very delirium of death this senti- 
iment was paramount in her mind. Knowing the sorrow this 
produced, and feeling how causeless was her anxiety, I en- 
deavored in all my letters to dissipate this feeling, writing her 
ever in the most consolatory manner both as to my situation 
and my health. Everything of the brightest, and whatever 
of the ludicrous could be found, was repeated for her benefit; 
but when serious reflection succeeded the pleasure of hearing 
from me, her quick perception and ever watchful love would 
suspect an imposition, and, whilst thanking me for the senti- 
ment that dictated the action, would gently reprove me for 
the supposed concealment of the truth. And with this belief 
she died, ignoring to the very last her own real pains to be- 
wail my imaginary ones. How in my heart I cursed the 
authors of this unnecessary sorrow, and how I despised the 
•strong men, who, for the sake of an ephemeral and factitious 
notoriety would whine over their scanty fare like gluttonous 
boys or soured crones, whilst needlessly racking the heart- 
strings of dear ones at home. And such things prate of their 
patriotism and vaunt their services, seeking, under cover of a 
lie, sympathy for unexperienced sufferings, and recompense 
for unendured privations. But they loere not all so. Among 
that band were many true devoted patriots. Men "who had 
■" left friends, business and comfortable homes, in some cases 
""luxurious homes, to help save their country from being blot- 
•" ted out of the map of nations," and had done so with but 
little hope of reward or expectation of promotion ; who well 
and bravely performed their duty, and only asked a successful 
result as their guerdon. With sufficient of anger against the 



88 

deluded fools who sought a nation's disruption, they bore no 
personal feeling into a strife which was waged for the holy 
cause of unity and freedom. Their erring brethren were 
only so when engaged in open and deadly acts of rebellion j 
and although too proud to ask a favor, they knew how to- 
appreciate a courtesy. The field of battle being with them 
the only arena of carnage, they did not sheathe their swords: 
in an imaginary foe, or kill rebels on fools-cap paper. 

" True courage scorns 
'• To vaunt her prowess in a storm of words.'' 

, For such men I had not only sympathy, but assistance, and 
I can truthfully assert that no one of them ever sought me for 
aid in vain. In many cases too modest to ask, or too proud to- 
acknowledge, they have forced me to pry out their secret 
sorrows, and share my plenty with them through third 
persons. 

Under these circumstances, and thus placed, Brig.-General 
Neal Dow found me on his return. Startled by the dire mis- 
fortune that was hanging over me, and forced to remember 
that all things perish here below, my thoughts could not but 
be serious, and my every hour tinctured with sorrow. Dis- 
gusted with the frivolous whinings and shallow grievances of 
the empty-headed, I shut myself up in the sanctity of my woe,. 
and sought, in that crowd, to be alone. Content with the few 
real friends who surrounded me and respected my grief,^ I 
neither courted nor flattered this " little great man," and toi 
an informal request to take him into companionship, curtly 
declined. 

Unable to appreciate the true sentiments that dictated my 
conduct to the enemy, the antagonism between him and myself 
was instant and perfect. He had never read, or if he had, 
would ne'er believe, that — 

" Seldom yet did living creature see 

" That courtesie and manhood ever disagree." 

The slave of an idea, and a firm believer in moral suasion 
" under penalty of the law," he sought to stunt all man.- 



89 

kind on the Procrustean bed of his own construction, than 

which, in his mind, nothing could be more perfect. NealDow 

and I, I am proud to say, can have nothing in common, for even 

his virtues so resemble vice, that the timid proselyte shrinks, 

from them in awe, and takes another road. Of him may fitly be. 

said — . . • 

" He was a man 

" Who stole the livery of the court of Heaven, 

" To serve the devil in." 

As evidence of the utter dissimilarity between us, I would 
respectfully call the attention of your Honorable Commission 
to the testimony of my brother officers, and in every case 
where they trust themselves to speak of him, it is couched in 
as contemptuous language as regard to his high rank will, 
permit. 

From one we learn that "he had no influence, and was often 
the subject of ridicule for those who forgot his rank in the 
general misery that pervaded the prison." By another we 
are told that " he w^as so selfish, domineering, and 'old-woman- 
ish' as to be almost universally dishked;" whilst from a third 
we hear that he was not " considered any great honor to the 
uniform he did wear — a Captain's coat and a private's panta- 
loon's, — ^or the service ; as evidently his 'forte' was not that of 
a military man, but that of a Temperance lecturer- f a role he 
filled so much to his own acceptation, that, as a gallant sailor 
tells us, " he lectured twice a week on temperance when even 
water was most difiicult to obtain." 

From many comes confirmation of a mystical " Black List J' 
in which were noted " all the rumors, — of which the prison 
was full at all times, — that came to his notice, to the disadvan^ 
tage of Lieut.-Colonel SAifiBEESON, or others, — the former more 
particularly," — and "in which he was so anxious to get some- 
thing to write down that he would get into an argument with 
some one, then pick up what little things the man might have 
said unwittingly, and book them preparatory to a settlement 
after their release." 

Truthfully does he say in his " familiar" letter to his supe- 
rior officer, that he took " great interest in my sayings andl 



doings," and well might he offer to ^ add a great quantity of 
similar matter," when all his days were employed in raking 
up slanders against me. To picture him as he was, %vith cap 
on sconce and pen in hand, lean, slippered and gowned, shuf- 
fling from circle to circle, noting with curious ear the words of 
all, and inscribing with eager haste their " slips and falls," is 
far beyond my limning poAver. 

" See from behind her secret stand 
The sly informer minutes every fault, 
And her dread diary with horrors fill.'' 

When the poet termed that thing a woman he slandered 
the sex. 

Turn to the same testimony, and note how my time was 
spent. 

From all you learn that I was gentlemanly and courteous to 
my comrades, and devoted myself to teaching, systematizing, 
and organizing that department most necessary for the com- 
fort and happiness of all, whether in or out of prison. 

By nearly all you are told that I was constantly engaged in 
ameliorating the condition of my companions by advice, by 
influence, by money, and by the necessaries of life. 

When a great calamity was being initiated for our cause, 
alone, out of six hundred, I sought to convey the announce- 
ment to my Government, and, lacking strength myself, offered 
the sinews of war to my abler associates. History does not 
record the name of him who seconded me ! 

When in its wisdom our Rulers placed in the hands of a 
then highly esteemed statesman the power to release us, when 
in his judgment it could be honorably attained, I was one of 
the few that applauded the act, and upheld the weak-kneed 
and despairing. 

Avoiding political discussions with our enemy as unprofita- 
ble and unnecessary, I never hesitated to support my princi- 
ples or defend my Government when the one were questioned 
or the other defamed. 

Called to fill a position which had already martyred two 
ranking ofiicers, I performed the duties of it to the entire sat- 



91 

isfaction of my friends and the astonishment of foes, private 
as well as public ; watching carefully over the interests of ray 
Government, upholding the honor of the service, and arresting 
the demoralization of my comrades — whether commissioned 
or enlisted. 

Thrown into constant contact with the common enemy, I so 
carried myself that I won even their respect and esteem, 
while the influence gained thereby was exerted in behalf of 
ray fellow-prisoners. 

In connection with this I would dilate here on an idea which 
had escaped my recollection until recalled by the statement of 
Capt. Charlier. Believing that much good could be done to 
my brother officers and the soldiers, more especially by any 
one thoroughly cognizant of the difficulties in the way of 
prompt delivery of our letters and boxes, I sought to obtain 
from m}^ fellow-prisoners their signatures to a memorial to the 
President of the United States, asking that some one who had 
been a prisoner of War in the hands of the Confederates 
should be appointed, whose whole duty it should be to arrange 
and supervise this speciality. Gen. Dow, being the highest 
ranking officer, the paper was presented to him by Capt. 
McComas, I think, for his signature. On learning from whom 
it emanated, " he declined to interfere with the action of the 
Government in the premises." On discovering it was suscep- 
tible of such an interpretation, the idea was immediately dis- 
missed and the paper destroyed, although it had for a long 
time occupied my thoughts and obtained the approval of many 
excellent men, and has been since adopted by the General 
Commanding the Armies. 

Having thus, as I trust, proven the negative to the charges 
of my accusers, let me trench but a moment longer on your 
time in displaying the affirmative of my position. 

Starting, as it were, from the very camp of the enemy, I 
was, in every sense of the word, a Volunteer both in " men and 
means," and threw myself into the conflict with all the impul- 
siveness and energy I was possessed of. Skilled in a special- 
ity which has for its object the preservation, not the destruc- 
tion, of life, I hastened to place at the disposal of my Govern- 



92 

ment, at the earliest and most opportune moment, the benefit 
of that skill. Anxious to serve and ambitious to excel, I la- 
bored late and early to prove my usefulness and the value of 
my scheme. Foiled by circumstances over which I had no 
control, I was forced to recede from my lofty aspirations and 
start from a lowlier rank and on a diminished field. Com- 
mencing almost on the lowest rung of the ladder to fame, I 
gradually ascended, by dint of labor and stress of time, until 
I attained my past eminence, than which no higher grade was 
permitted a Volunteer. But content with that position, (as I 
trust I always have been in every phase of life,) I only sought 
to deserve my honors and fulfill my duty. Stopped short in 
my military career by the fortune of war, I suddenly found 
myself called upon to assume new duties. By no means the 
ranking officer among a crowd of untaught and somewhat in- 
subordinate comrades, I was required to instruct, discipline, 
and command. Somewhat lacking in self-respect and the rem- 
nant of military subordination still existing in them, sapped by 
those whose duty and position demanded a better example, I 
found myself called upon to direct men who acknowledged no 
superior ; discipline officers, who regarded no discipline ; and 
teach equals, too wise in their own conceit to heed my instruc- 
tions. Obedient myself, I would not brook the contrary in 
others ; and, when forced to uphold salutary regulations by 
severe lessons, I did not shrink from the responsibility. To im- 
pose rules which would not be heeded, to give orders which 
would not be obeyed, becomes neither a man nor a soldier. I 
claim to be both. And yet I challenge any one to say that I 
exercised my power with partiality or injustice. The horse- 
man that rides a restive steed has bit and spur at his command^ 
to be used when necessity compels ; to employ them at any 
other time is tyrannical and unwise ; to neglect their assist- 
ance when required, is foolish or cowardly. Of course, I made 
myself unpopular. Colton tells us, " There are two modes of 
establishing our reputation : to be praised by honest men, and 
to be abused by rogues." I have, at least, achieved the lat- 
ter. 

Subsequently selected, against my will, to fill another posi- 



93 

tion of responsibility and control, I was brought into immedi- 
ate contact with a class of men who, of all others, most de- 
mand firmness, determination, and discipline. Unaccustomed 

" To paw the ragged multitude with praise 
" Of their ingenuous care and fervent love. 
" For preservation of the Commonwealth." 

I recognised with my military inferiors but one language — 
that of command ; and exacted from them but one result, to obey. 
Seeking no office and asking no votes, I only strove to fulfill 
my duties with an eye to the interests of my Government — 
of which I was, for the moment, the agent ; and over whose 
property I had, for the time, almost unlimited control. Deal- 
ing with beings, many of whom were very wretched and ap- 
parently lost to everything but the most animal instincts, and 
imbued with no feeling save that of self-gratification ; regard- 
ing every one attempting to control or limit their desires as an 
enemy ; and entirely oblivious of subordination, respect, or 
esprit de corps, I was compelled to awaken in them the dor- 
mant principles of military requirements, as well for the honor 
of the service, as the reputation of my section; as well for the 
security of the good as the punishment of the guilty. But in 
doing so I endeavored to act Avitli as much kindness as was 
compatible with command, and require no more etiquette than 
was perfectly familiar to the least disciplined among them. If 
i erred 'twas the fault of the head, not the heart. And finally, 
when called upon to fulfill the letter but not the spirit of a 
promise, with but limited means and an indefinite imprison- 
ment before me — ignorant of whence the next dollar would 
come — I emptied my pockets and robbed myself of subsist* 
ence to aid and encourage my needy comrades, who, with all 
the strength, lacked the means to avail themselves of promised 
freedom from galling chains; and, strange to say, assisted my 
arch-enemy himself to find the way to my destruction ! 

And, with such a record, I have been disgraced, dishonored, 
dismissed ! Unheard and unheeded, my name has been thrown 
to the four winds of heaven, and carried to all corners of tLe 
earth, as a traitor — as a hrute ! Educated in a school that taught 



t . 
94 

that love of country was next to love of God — drawing my 
inspiration from him who drew his from the very Fathers of our 
Country'* — and sprung from a family that has been honorably 
represented in every just struggle our country has been en- 
gaged in, from the War of the Revolution to the present con- 
flict, I do not choose to have that name, (as yet unspotted and 
unstained,) classed among the dishonored of the land, without 
question and without trial. 

Well did the poet say : 

" Good name, in man or woman, dear my lord, 
Is Ihe immediate jewel of their souls ; 
Who steals my purse steals trash, 'tis something, nothings 
'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands ; 
But he that fllches from me my good name, 
Robs me of that, which not enriches him, 
And makes me poor indeed.'' 

And now, gentlemen, the case is with you. In my own 
unskilled, and awkward fashion, heedless of law, and asking 
only equity, I have my tale unfolded, and in your hands rests 
my fate. If three years constant and faithful service, risking 
life and limb on every proper occasion, seeking and gaining 
the commendation and approval of his commanders, and the • 
good "vrill and respect of his brother officers ; Avith his whole 
heart engaged in the contest, and no aspirations but his coun- 
try's honor ; and when called upon to act in an unusual and 
extra-official character, endeavoring to conduct himself with 
dignity, and service, to his comrades ; and with regard for the 
honor of the cloth, and the interests of his government to 
his inferiors — entitle an officer to dishonor and disgrace, then 
am I fitly punished. But if devotion to a cause bringg desert, — 
if attention to duty demands countenance, — if zeal in a depart- 
ment ensures appreciation, — if extra work is entitled to extra 
pay, — if a thorough fulfillment, to the best of his ability, of the 
duties of his position, and a zealous regard for the rights and 

* My father and my uncle (who was my teacher in early life) were publish- 
ers and editors of that national work, " The Biography of the Signers of the^ 
Declaration of Independence." 



95 

honor of his commission, constitute an oflScer and a gentle- 
man, I Avould respectfully ask your honorable Commission to 
examine the testimony submitted herewith, and to search my 
record, and decide whether reioard or punishment is more 
justly my due. 

I had in my mind one more word to say. I thought to 
have brought to your notice the consequences of your decis- 
ion on those who bear my name and share my blood, but when 
I reflect that the babe unborn is not more innocent of the 
crimes alleged than I, I refrain. 

"The purest spring is not so free from mud 
As I am clear from treason." 

If I have erred in anything I am man enough to bear the 
penalty, but if I have done no wrong I ask no condonation. 
I come to you for Justice, not as a favor but as a right. I am 
sure you will give it to me,, and in that trust I remain, 

Very respectfully, your ob't serv't, 

JAMES M. SANDERSON. 



Official Report 

OF TllK 
Selected to Kxniitiiie into tUe C'liarsc!! 



Lieut.-Col. JAMES M. SANDERSON, 

MADE RY 

Biig.aen. :NrEA.L DOA^ 

AND 

Corporal TA.YI.OR. 



Office MlMtani Commission, 802 "i7" St. cor. 11 th, } 
Washington, D. C. May 19t]i, 1865. f 

10 A. M. — The Military Commission met, pursuant to ad- 
journment. 

Present : 

Brig. Gen. John C. Caldwell, 

Col. George A. H. Blake, 

Capt. George H. Caldwell, A. A. G., 

Hecorder. 

The Military Commission then proceeded to examine the 
case of James M. Sanderson, late Lieut. Colonel, Commissary 
Department. 

This officer was dismissed the service by Special Order, No. 
•201, Par. 32, War Dep't, Afli't-GeneraFs Office, Washington, 
D. C, June 8, 1864. 

He asks for restoration. 



98 

His case was referred to this Commission, by order of the 
Secretary of War, Oct. 14th, 1864. 

The MiHtary Commission, after a careful examination of the 
papers in the case and of the accused, respectfully submit the 
following report : — 

It appears, from the papers submitted in this case to the 
"Commission, that Col. Sanderson was appointed a Captain 
and Comm'y Sub. Vols., September 7th, 1861, and assigned to 
■duty witli the late Gen. Wadsworth. He afterwards served 
with Gens. McDowell, Reynolds, and Newton. He was ap- 
pointed Ad. A.D.C., with the rank of Major, July 15th, 1862; 
and Corps Commissary, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, 
January 1st, 1863. 

On the 20tli of July, 1863, while in company with Major 
■Russell, A. A.. G., First A. C, searching for a ford to cross 
the column over a deep and rapid stream in the vicinity of 
Middleburg, Va., he was captured and taken to Rich- 
mond; where he remained a prisoner until March 7th, 1864. 
It was Avhile confined in Libby Prison that the offences for 
which he was dismissed, are alleged to have been committed. 
'The only witnesses against him are Corp. Wm. A. Taylor, 6th 
N. Y. Cav. and Brig.-Gen. Neal Dow. 

The statement of Corp. Taylor is not verified by oath, and 
the charges of Gen. Dow are contained in a letter addressed 
to Major-General Hitchcock, Commissary for the exchange of 
Prisoners. Gen, Hitchcock reviewed these two documents in 
a report to the Secretary of War, and recommends the dismis- 
sal of Col. Sanderson. He was accordingly dismissed the 
service by S, 0., No. 201, Par. 32, A. G. 0., June 8th, 1864; 
amended by S. O., 217, Par. 7, A. G. 0., June 23, 1864. 

The principal witness against Col. Sanderson is Gen. Neal 
a>©w- and attention is called to the fact that most of his 
charges relate to conduct that did not come under his personal 
observation. In fact, Gen. Dow says in the beginning of his 
communication that " he had no intercourse" with Colonel 
Sanderson. The principal charge against Colonel San- 
S)ER80N is — 



99 

Chaii{;e 1st — Cruel treatment of our Prisoners at Bell Isle. 
Crcn. Dow says : — 

" After my protest to Gen. Winder, against the cruel treat- 
ment of our soldiers at Belle Isle, I was not permitted to 
visit them any more, and the business of distributing this 
•clothing to the soldiers (all of which was sent to me) was put 
into his hands. Thus, lor weeks, he came into daily contact 
with the soldiers there; and his conduct towards them was 
always harsh and cruel. Once, a poor fellow applied for some 
clothes — he was very miserable with cold and hunger : San- 
derson said, 'Damn you — didn't I tell you if you came again 
I'd kick you?' He, then, turned him round, kicked him, and 
followed him with repeated kicks ; Capt. Atwood, 16th Maine, 
Lt. Col. Archer, and others saw this. One poor fellow, bare- 
footed, asked for shoes, and received curses instead ; Capt. 
Atwood saw this. The next day but one, Capt. Atwood saw 
the same man brought out in a blanket, with feet badly frozen 
— I think he suffered amputation. The Rebel Lieutenant in 
charge remonstrated with Sanderson, for his harsh and cruel 
treatment of the soldiers, in the presence of Atwood. His in- 
tercourse with the soldiers was always with oaths, and curses, 
and bitter revilings. 

" Man}" of these poor fellows he caused to be bucked and 
gagged — and this to half-starved and half-frozen men, who 
have left friends, business, and comfortable homes — in some 
■cases, luxurious homes to help save their country from being 
blotted out from the map of Nations; many of these men were 
educated gentlemen. On one occasion, (a cold day,) a squad 
of men, half-starved and pinched with cold, came out for 
clothes. At the head of the line to be served first was a sol- 
dier thin and blue, curled up and shivering — his hands in his 
poor apologies for pockets. With oaths and curses, Sander- 
■SON demanded, why he did not take the position of a soldier; 
and he drove the poor wretch to the tail of the line, to wait a 
Jong hour or two, as a punishment." 

Gen. Dow further says, " I have written to Capt. Atwood, 
at Gardiner, Me., asking him to send you immediately full de- 
tails of everything within his knowledge on this subject with 
tlie names of other witnesses." 

No communication seems to have been received from Capt. 
Atwood ; at least none is contained in the papers before the 
Commission. 



100 

Corp- W. A. Taylor, Co. E, 6th N. H. Cav., in a statement 
made by him, but not verified by oath, says : — 

" CoL Sanderson was employed to deliver the supplies, as- 
sisted from time to time by another Federal officer. He waK 
employed some two or three hours per day, for some three 
months. During this time, he issued no provisions at all. CoU 
Sanderson was very harsh in his treatment of the men. Dur- 
ing this time, he (Taylor) was with Col. Sanderson, under his 
orders, assisting in the delivery of the supplies of clothing. 
Occasionally, a man or so would come out and ask for partic- 
ular articles; and he has heard Col. Sanderson repeatedly 
use harsh language toward them, and order them away — call- 
ing them ' dirty fellows;' and very often he has seen him kick 
them, and he has heard him to order some of the men to be 
bucked. The men were suffering very much from cold and 
the want of provisions. Col. Sanderson seemed to have no. 
patience with them. He seemed to use them more like brutes 
than like men. The reason why he ordered them bucked, as 
he supposes, was, that they had sold some of their clothing for 
tlie purpose of obtaining food. A considerable number of the 
Rebel guard were clothed in the United States clothing, much 
of which was obtained from the Union Soldiers, as he (Taylor) 
supposed, in exchange for provisions; but not all of it, for he 
saw Col. Sanderson give some of it away to the Rebels; es- 
])ecially did he see the Colonel give to one man an overcoat. 

" Have seen Col. Sanderson standing with Rebel officers, 
when some of the Union prisoners would approach with their 
hands in their pockets — in rags and tatters, and Col. Sander- 
Son, instead of commiserating their condition, would seem to 
make sport of them, and oi'dor them to take their hands out 
of their pockets." 

In answer to this charge of cruelty, Col. Sanderson pro- 
duces the testimony of several officers who accompanied him 
to Belle Isle, and saw the manner in which he treated the 
prisoners. 

Brig. Gen. Povtell says : — 

" While in command of the West rooms of the Prison, com- 
plaints were made to me that, whilst you (Col. Sanderson) 
was acting as President of the Committee for the distribu- 
tion of clothing, etc., to our men, (prisoners of War,) your 
treatment of tliom was inhuman, unkind, and disgraceful. 



101 

" In order to ascertain ths facts in the matter, I obtained 
^permission to visit with you the men on the Island, lulthout 
your knowledge as to the real object of my visit. 

■' While there, I watched your conduct closely, and do not 
hesitate to state that I witnessed nothing in your conduct that 
•would in the least substantiate the charges alleged against 
3'OU as to the abuse of our soldiers ; but. on the otlior lumd, I 
could not but admire the prompt and systematic manner in 
Avhich you issued the articles to tlie men." 

Col. H. l^eFavour, 22d Michigan Infantry, who visited 
Belle Isle in company with Col. Sanderson, January 22d, 
1864, says :— 

" I noticed that the intercourse between him and the men 
was such as should have l)een between the officer and the 
soldier. 

"He did not maltreat, insult, or punish any of them in my 
presence; nor did he use oaths, curses, or bitter invectives to- 
wards them. I talked with several of the men, and one in 
particular — a First Sergeant of the 5th Michigan Cavalry, 
who expressed himself as perfectly satisfied with the manner 
'Col. S. distributed the clothing, and Avith his actions towards 
the men; and who said that if Col. Sanderson had kicked the 
man he is alleged to have done, he verv likely v/as not treated 
so severely as he should have been, as there were some men 
'there than whom worse could not be found anywhere, and 
against whom they were obliged to form an association for 
self-protection. I did not observe that Col. S. was any more 
intimate with the officers of the Island than his position would 



Xit. Col. Fr-ederic F. Cavada, 114th Pa. Vols, says; — 

" I was selected to assist the Board of Distribution, for sev- 
"«ral days. Col. Sanderson issued the clothing to our prison- 
ers, and seemed to conduct the matter with great order and 
system. I afterwards heard him accused in tlie Libby of ill- 
treatment toAvards our men. On the occasions when I was 
with him at Belle Isle, I did not see him kick, strike, or other- 
wise ill-use any of the prisoners. He was very strict with 
them, but never in my presence perpetrated any of the cruel- 
ties upon them of which I heard him accused. His intercourse 
with the Bebel officers on Belle Isle was courteous, but I ob- 
served on no occasion any evidence of disloyalty on his part. 



102 

Lt. Col. Fariisworth, 1st Conn. Cav., says : — 

" I accompanied Col. Sanderson to Belle Isle, on the 26th of 
January, 1864. I did not see him ill-treat, abuse, or insult th& 
prisoners there. He did not accost them with oaths, curses^ 
or bitter revilings; nor did he, to my knowledge, buck and gag 
or kick them; nor, to my knowledge, did he punish them for 
not saluting him, or for not taking the position of a soldier.. 
He did not, whilst I was with him, exact more respect than 
his rank and proper military discipline permitted or required^ 
I should not think he was more intimate with Rebel officers 
than his official duties or proper courtesy demanded. As far 
as my knowledge extended, he exhibited a proper caution in 
issuing the })ublic property in his charge." 

Lt. Col. Jere. Williams, 25th Ohio Vols., says :— 

" I once went with Col. Sanderson to Bjlle Isle, where he 
was engaged in distributing clothing to the prisoners. We 
were taken there and brought back under guard. 

" He conducted his business there systematically and justly, 
and treated the men with kindness. I conversed with sever- 
al of the prisoners, all of whom spoke in terms of commenda- 
tion of his kind manner toward them, and of his fairness and 
impartiality in distributing clothing, etc." 

Major J. Harris Hooper, 15th Mass. Vols., says : — 

" During my imprisonment, I visited Belle Island once with 
Lt. Col. Sanderson, I never heard him accost the soldiers 
with oaths, curses, and bitter invectives. I have heard that 
Lt. Col. Sanderson had authority to punisli soldiers, and have 
been told that the punishment of bucking and gagging was at 
one or more times resorted to; but have also been told and 
believe that' such punishment was for the commission of some 
grave offence. 

" Lt. Col. Sanderson certainly exacted respect of the sol- 
diers on Belle Isle, and demanded of them such military eti- 
quette as standing at attention and in the position of a sol- 
dier, while addressing him. Brought into contact but once 
with these poor fellows in their truly pitiable condition — 
among them brave and good men of my command — I could 
not, at the time, heartily sustain Lt. Col. Sanderson in this, 
course; but am free to admit that, after careful thought, my 
honest conviction was and now is, that the course pursued by 
Col. Sanderson towards our soldiers, althouo-h at times seem- 



1103 

ingly harsh, was the wisest and the best; and I fully believe^ 
that a more equal and just distribution of the hmited supply 
of stores sent by the U. S. Government for the relief of ou:r 
soldiers, was made through the rigorous method adopted by 
Lt. Col. Sanderson, than could have been made by any 
other." 

Major Win. Russell, Jim., A. A. G., who accompanie(J 
Col. Sanderson to Belle Isle several days, says : — 

" Duriwg these visits I was constantly near Col. Sanderson^ 
and saw his conduct and treatment of the men. He was ex- 
acting in his ideas of military etiquette, and would not permit 
them to treat them or his orders with disrespect or imperti- 
nence. He seemed to consider himself more interested in. 
watching over the interest of his Government than in cater- 
ing to the whims and desires of the men; and, whilst willing^ 
to extend to them the aid and comfort in his power, would- not 
overlook or pass unnoticed any attempt on their part to cheat 
or deceive him. I never saw him treat any man with brutal- 
ity or insult. He never punished any one for disrespect or 
insolence, although in some cases he would perhaps have been 
perfectly justifiable. He was specially severe on deserters, 
thieves, and men charged with disloyalty or dishonesty; but 
was not in the habit of using oaths, curses, and bitter invec- 
tives. I never saw him kick a soldier, although I heard sub- 
sequently from himself that he had done so." 

Testimony similar to the above, varying only in form 9,f'^x- 
pression, is given by Capt. Edward A. Mass, 88th Pa. Tols. ; 
Capt. Martin Tower, 13th Mass., who says that " he (the CqIj) 
" treated the men with all the kindness possible;" Capt. J. M. 
McCoMAS, 9th Md. Vols.; Capt. Ralph O. Ive?, 10th Mass. 
Vols., who says that the Colonel, 

" By tact and ability, executed his difficult task to the satis- 
faction of the Rebel authorities and the United States ofticers; 
and prisoners of War. I can say from my own knowledge 
that he treated the prisoners as an officer and superior, quell- 
ing riot and enforcing regularity in the time and manner of 
distribution, as his memoranda and accounts Avill show. I have 
also talked with numerous prisoners who were on Belle Isle in 
the various prisons, and have yet failed to find a good soldier 
who found any fault with Col. Sanderson. 



104 

"Ths deserters and substitutes were of course loud in their 
denunciations, for to them Col. Sanderson was rude, not to 
-«ay brutal." 

•Capt. Ed. A. Folbe.s, C. S. 2d Div. Cav. Corps, sajs :— 

"I accompanied Col. Sanderson twice to Belle Island; 
•found his conduct to the men correct, but severe. He de- 
manded that they should be soldiers at all times, especially 
l)efore our enemies ; such conduct was enforced in proper 
language, and no man abused. 

" Some prisoners Avere bucked and gagged, for stealing from 
the general supply of the U. S. clothing, and from each other 
■in camp. 

" None were punished for non-compliance with military eti- 
quette beyond a reprimand. Su})plies and clothing were de- 
nied to such men as were supposed to have taken the oath of 
allegiance to the Confederate Government, and also for those 
men detailed voluntarily for the Confederate shoe-shop. 

" I can also state, that such men as were refused clothing, 
etc.byLt. Col, Sanderson, were allowed to enter the depot of 
■supplies received from our (jovernment and tlieU. S. Sanitary 
'Commission, and help themselves ad libitum; no account be- 
ing taken of tlie same by the Confederate officer in charge, 
also no United States officer being present. 

" In my opinion, Lt. Col. Sanderson used every means at 
Ilia command to insure all supplies (especially Government 
property-) being properly distributed; and should be com- 
mended for having Confederate soldiers arrested for stealing 
U. S. overcoats." 

Capt. E. McB. Timoiiey, 15th U. S. Infantry, after stat- 
ing that he never saw Col. Sanderson abuse or maltreat the 
prisoners, says : — 

" He (the Colonel) ditl all he could to inspire the men with 
confidence in the Government and hopes of a speedy ex- 
change." 

Acting Master W. E. H. Feiitriss, U. S. Navy, (Monitor 

Neosha,) says : — 

" I was present [at Belle Isle | with him on one occasion and 
I never saw anything in his deportment unworthy of an officer 



105 

of tlie United States. Our men were much demoralized at 
that time; their suffering's had rendered them entirely careless 
and Col. Sanderson only required of them the respect due to 
his rank. I never heard an oath from him in the discharge 
•of his duties; on the contrary, his manner was kind and court- 
■eous to all." 

■A similar statement is made by 1st Lieut. Tlioilip^ou 
Leiiiii^, 6th Penn. Cav. 

The affidavit of Q. M. Sergt. Tolaiid, is accompanied by 
the following certificate of his character by Maj. Gsii. 
Meade, under date of Nov. 21, 1864:— 

"This is to certify, that I have long known Washington To- 
land, Sergt. 9th N. Y, S. M., the son of an old and valued 
friend of my family, Henry Toland, deceased, formerly of 
Phila., recently of N. Y., in both of which cities, he and his 
family were well known. When last I saw Washington Toland 
he was serving with his regiment in the field, when I exerted 
my influence, based on my knowledge of his character and 
services, to have him appointed Asst. Qr. Master of Vols. I 
believe Sergt. Toland to be in every way reliable, and I should 
'deem trustworthy any statement he made." 

Affidavit of Washington Toland, Sergt. 9th N. Y. S. M. : 

" I was captured on the 7th of Nov. last, on the day of the 
battle at Rappahannock Station — was confined on Belle Isle 
with from five to nides thousand prisoners. I know Lt. Col. 
James M. Sanderson, Chief Commissary of the 1st Corps. 
I was detailed at his request to act as one of the clerks, to aid 
in the issue of clothing sent by the U. S. Government for 
distributionamong the soldiers. My duty was to give out the 
shoes ; sometimes I issued other articles, but very rarely. 
^Frequently there were no shoes to issue owing to the difficulty 
in obtaining them from Richmond, 

" I never knew Col. Sanderson to refilse shoes to any man 
perfectly barefooted, unless there were none on hand of his 
size, or the applicant had already been furnished with them, 
and was suspected of having sold them. I was engaged every 
■day for nearly three months as assistant to Col. Sanderson, 
and was never absent except when I was sick. 

" Col. Sanderson took as much care in issuing the clothing 



as if it belonged to himself. It was impossible to give th^ 
men all they asked for, and sometimes when the stock on hand' 
was small, he would refuse it except in extreme cases, on the 
ground that the applicant had already been served, or if a 
strong healthy man, because others were more in need of it^ 
On one occasion he refused me certain articles I desired on 
that ground, and although much annoyed, I was forced to 
acknowledge that he was in the right. 

' " Col. Sanderson in his manner to the men when drawn^ 
up b efore him, was short, sharp, and decisive, and by many, 
myself among the number, considered severe. He insisted on 
their approaching him in a respectful manner, taking the posi- 
tion of a soldier, and awaiting his questions before he would 
permit them to question him. I never heard him use profane 
or abusive language, or saw him act in a passionate manner, 
except in cases when, in my opinion, the conduct of the parties 
justified it, as there were some men among the prisoners who 
could be influenced in no other way. • V 

" I never knew him to punish any soldier for refusing to 
•salute him or take the position of a soldier : he has sent them 
to the end of the line for disobedience or impertinence, there 
ito remain until the last, which would be for half an hour, but 

not longer. I have heard him called ' a d d son of bitch *' 

and told to ' go to hell' by a man named Gavit, and another 
named Blass, both of whom were charged by him and by the 
prisoners generally, with having taken the oath of allegiance to 
the Southern Confederacy, The latter, to my knowledge carried 
a pistol for the purpose of killing Col. Sandersox for refusing 
to give him clothing, should an opportunity olfer, and I iirmly 
believe such was his intention. Both of these men were in 
great favor with the Rebels, and hated and despised by all 
the prisoners. They would endeavor to induce men to attempt 
to escape, and betray them to the rebel Lieut. Gavit was in 
the habit of beating prisoners with a club, and Blass once shot 
a man dead whp was attempting to escape. Col. Sanderson 
would not give either of these men, or any Rebel sympathiser 
an article of glothir^g, nor Avould he allow them to approach 
him, and by persisting in this course exposed himself to much 
insult and even, danger. 

, "Among the prisoners confined in Belle Isle, Avere at least 
one hundred and fifty of the most confirmed thieves, villains,, 
and, murderers, ever let loose on a communit3^ 

" Night after night they made the camp hideous with theii: 
marauding. The Rebel authorities made no attempt to res- 
train them, and no man's life was safe. They would rip openj 



,107 

tents, rob the inmates, and if resistance was offered, brutally 
murder them. I speak from personal knowledge, and can 
swear to at least fifty robberies, and two cold blooded mur- 
ders. At length this abuse became so unendurable that a 
number of the better class of men under Col. Sanderson's. 
direction and advice, organized themselves into a defensive 
police, and whenever they caught the raiders in the fact, beat 
them until they were powerless and then bi'ought them out- 
side the enclosure for punishment. 

" The Rebel authorities allowed Col. Sanderson to inflict a 
light punishment* upon them, but never punished them in any 
other case except at his earnest representation. Col. San- 
derson always told these men that he regretted it was not in 
his power to kill them, and that he regarded them as worse- 
than brutes or wild animals. He was not permitted to do 
worse than buck them for one, two or three hours. He never 
had a man gagged on the Island. I saw him have two men 
bucked for selling their clothing to the Rebels. I considered 
that they were justly punished, and their example produced 
a good effect on others. He was very severe in such cases,. 
and would order men suspected of stealing or selling clothing 
into the encampment immediately, never permitting them to. 
draw again. No man could have watched over the interests 
,of his Government more carefully than he did, nor do I think 
any officer could have been more true and loyal in every 
particular. 

"He was in the habit of requesting myself and others 
privately to take down the names of all Union prisoners who 
showed sympathy for the Rebels or who accepted any favors,, 
or employment, inconsistent with their obligations t'O; the 
United States, in order to expose them when the time ii^ight 
come'. For a long time the boxes of clothing were placed 
under a Confederate guard and every night they were broken 
open and rob'b'ed. Col. Sanderson protested so strongly 
against this that Lieut. Bossieux permitted him to plaqe the 
clothing next fo "^lis (Bossieux) own tent and put his own 
guards unarmed.bver it. After that not an article was stolen 
except ail* overcoat by' a man named Cavit, oi^ the 1st ,N. H.. 
Arty.', before 'Alluded to, and which Col. Sanderson traced to 
'its h'i'diri^-i)lace, and obliged,. the scoundrel to give it up. 
'''VI hekrd that Col.' San^eIisgn kicked one man for stealing 
and selliiig clotliing, but 'I am not personally cognizant of the 
'fact. I do know that'h'e lent mphiey to several prisoners on 
the Island, and tookpain'^'lb do little acts of kindness for the 
men Avho were coii^iantTy' n(i4k'in^ demands upon, him. He 



108 

•even offered money to men who did not need it, myself among 
the number. I know of his loaning money to private Good- 
rich, of the 13th Mass.; Saurman, 90th Pa., an old man of the 
name of Haggerty, and others whose names I do not remem- 
ber. He also advanced money to a Sergt., named Burns to 
prevent him from sacrificing a fine gold watch presented by 
his mother. He also disposed of some wood-work cirved by 
a man named Clark, of the 61st Pa. Vols., and other article's 
made by the prisoners. 

" He was courteous and respectful in his intercourse with 
Rebel Officers and was always treated by them with consid- 
eration, but evinced no undue familiarity towards them. 

" This course enabled him to obtain some privileges for the 
prisoners that others could not have done. On one occasion, 
a brute named Hegits, beat and cruelly maltreated one of our 
men, and upon Col. Sanderson's complaint was severely re- 
'buked and his victim released from punishment. 

" I frequently saw Col. Sanderson inspecting the kitchens 
and reproaching the cooks for carelessness and filthiness. We 
had reason to regret his being cutoff from visiting the Island, 
tisoUr rations wore reduced nearly one half afterwards. I did 
not think Col. Sanderson Avas justified in being so particular 
in the matter of military etiquette with prisoners, and since 
Iny release I have not hesitated to tell him so. I considered 
him too severe in his manner towards the prisoners, but in his 
'deportment only, in every other respect he studied their in- 
terests as his own. I am of the opinion also, that in judging 
this question, great allowance should be made for the demor- 
"alrzed condition of most of the prisoners. Constant hunger, 
cold and sickness had caused them to lose all respect for 
themselves; the}' were lielpless ag children, and his severity 
towards them was perhaps a real benefit by restraining them 
from selling their clothing and injuring themselves in other 
ways. 

""He did everything a man could do in such a situation to 

'benefit and ameliorate their condition, and used his influence 

''with the enemy to the advantage of the unfortunate victims 

'of southern cruelty. I do not wish to cast any imputations 

'on my fellow prisoners, with the exception of the thieve? and 

■murderers before alluded to. They were a brave and noble 

hearted set of men, most of them captured in the front line 

of battle. But human nature could not bear up under such 

constant prolonged misery and torture. In many cases reason 

gave way and they knew not what they did. 

" It would have been impossible for Col. Sanderson to give 
an overcoat to a confederate officer without beincr seen bv 



109 

myself or some of the clerks. I never knew him to do so, or- 
heard him accused of it. I do not recollect A. W. Taylor as- 
being- one of the assistants in the distribution of clothing ; he 
might have been, but not for any length of time. 

"I knew Sergt. Hill, but never heard him speak unkindly 
of Col. Sanderson. He was not employed in distributing 
clothing, but was generally engaged in delivering letters 
brought over by Col. Sanderson, and in hunting up the 
friends of the officers who accompanied Co1.,Sanders(jn." 

Private Augustus H. Saurnian, Co. H, Uth Pa.. 

Vols., swears as follows : 

" I will certif}^ that I was present at the time the clothing- 
was distributed, being called out of the enclosure by your 
order or wish, to assist, as one of the issuing clerks, in its dis- 
tribution. 

" The men were called out by squads, and I can't say that 
you Avere unnecessary severe or harsh with them, demanding 
nothing more than the respect and military etiquette due 
your rank. I never knew you to use any harsh language to . 
any of them, unless they were known as the infernal thieves... 
robbers and murderers that infested the camp. 

" I never knew of you to punish any man for n(3t saluting 
you, or approaching you with their hands in their pockets ; 
but I often heard you reprimand them for their forgetfulness. . 
There was an organized band in the enclosure, consisting of 
cut-throats, thieves, and even murderers, who robbed under 
the name of ' raiders ;' and who would sally out at all hours 
(night especially) and attack and assault the weak, sick and 
defenseless with their billies, knives and other weapons ; and 
if resistance was made, they would blanket and rob them, and 
stretch them out for dead, to be carried out in a blanket to 
their comrades, which caused the greatest distress all over the 
camp. 

" 'Twas not safe to go out of your tent at night, unless you 
went protected and prepared ; and when the fact was made 
known to you, I believe you did your utmost with the Rebel 
officer in command — Lt. Bossieux — to severely punish those, 
who were reported to you ; and I freely say the severest pun- 
ishment that could be inflicted upon them was not harsh 
enough : hanging should have been their doom. 

•' ^Tivas well known that many of the .prisoners, after obtain- 
ihg clothing from you, tradedit off over the bank with the 
rebeltruard for something to eat. (as hunger knows no law.) 



no 

"^nd ofteiitimes would ask for more, alleging it to have been 
stolen. I never knew you to refuse shoes to any person sadly 
in want of them, and I never heard or knew of any particular 
one having his feet badly frozen, or his legs amputated, from 
your refusal, although I have seen a number of poor bo3's with 
their limbs terribly frozen from the exposure we Avere com- 
pelled to submit to by our traitorous friends, the Rebs. I 
never knew of your kicking a man named Berry ; neither do I 
remember anything in regard to his case ; nor do I, in my 
■opinion, think that you treated the men more like brutes than 
like men. 

" I 2nust admit the circumstances in which you were placed 
was enough to try any man's patience. I am not aware of 
any attempt made on the part of the prisoners to deceive you 
to the injury of my suffering companions, although you were 
obliged to exercise great prudence and care in the distribu- 
tion of the clothing, and I believe you did issue it with as 
much interest as if it was 3"our own. 

" I am aware of some of the prisoners being refused cloth- 
ing by you, whose false hearts led rliem to side with the rebel 
oonfederacy, one of whom I knew well. That was a Spaniard, 
Blass by name, of the 2d N. Y. Zouaves, wiio took the oath of 
allegiance there ; also one by the name of Gavitt, who was 
accused of stealing an overcoat. I've heard you accuse the 
prisoners of being dirty, and reprimand them for it ; but I 
must say that the fault did not lay with the poor boys, as they 
were never issued soap wherewith to keep clean, and I doubt 
\whether the dirty sand and fire smoke, ground in, is off yet. I 
knew of you to loan the men money as a favor, and to do 
other favors solicited, such as bringing articles of food and 
•comfort from the officers in Libby Prison to the poor starved 
boys on the Island, who belonged to their companies or regi- 
'ments ; and I also knew of your giving funds to one person — 
an Englishman, I think, — to keep him from sacrificing his gold 
watch, when pressed by hunger, which I considered an act of 
kindness on your part. 

" You appeared on intimate terms with Lt. Bossieux, but I 
can't say you were more courteous than a gentleman should 
ihavebeen under the circumstances, and I believe you were al- 
ways treated with respect by Bossieux. 

" I must say that our rations were diminished after you 
ceased the distribution of clothing ; 'twas never issued in 
quantities sufficient for a dog to live on ; but from the 1st of 
•January, 1864, to the 7th of March, we never knew what it 



lit 

was to gnaw at a bone — corn bread and bug soup being our 
daily fare. 

"i knew 'Gus. Taylor, — now Captain, I believe, — on the 
Island. Knew of his being one of the issuing clerks, and 
knew that you would not allow him any clothing after dispen- 
sing with his services ; bnt I am unaware of the charges pre- 
ferred against him by you. He acted as a clerk before I came 
out. I also knew Serg. Hill. and I never knew of him to speak 
ill of you, nor any other of the clerks employed by you. I also 
believe that much of the clothing was preserved through you, ' 
by placing the clerks as guards over the clothing, to keep the 
Rebel guards from stealing it. I was one of the guards my- 
self." 

James J. Morg-aii, Private of the 12th Regiment, West Ya. 
Vols., who was captured at Winchester, Va., June 15tli 
1863, and was a prisoner on Belle Isle until December 27, 
1863, says :— 

*' During our stay at Belle Isle, clothing and provisions were 
sent by our Government to the Federal prisoners. The cloth- 
ing was distributed to us by Federal officers, and the officer 
who took the lead in this matter was a man called Col. San- 
derson — an elderly-looking, gray-haired gentleman. 

" He required a punctilious observance of military etiquette, 
but as far as I could observe he distributed the clothing with 
strict justice. The clothing not being sufficient to furnish all 
the prisoners, he was very particular in distributing it to the 
most destitute. I witnessed no cruelty on his part towards 
the prisoners. His conduct was strictly military, but as far 
«is I was capable of judging, was guided by the principles of 
the strictest justice." 

Lt. Col. Nortlicott, 12th W. Ya. Yols., introducing the 
statement of Morgan, says : 

" I am personally acquainted with the said Morgan, and 
believe him to be a reliable man, and his testimony worthy of 
full faith and credit." 

Sergt. Chas. Petteyis, lOOfch N. Y. Yols., late a prisoner 
ut Belle fele, under oath, says : 

"That in the winter and spring of 1863 and 1864, while a 

Prisoner as aforesaid, saw and knew Lt. Col. Sanderson of the 
f^nited States Commissary Dept., who was engaged in dis- 



112 

tiibating clothing to the needy on said Island among the pris-- 
oners, that he saw him daily. That he never saw him guilty 
of any brutality or unkindne_>s with enlisted men with whom 
he came in contact ; that he enforced discipline ; that he pre- 
served regularity ; and, in the opinion of this deponent, it was 
because of this very discipline and regularity that the lawless 
tmd vicious found great fault with him ; deponent knows of 
certain bands called raiders, who attacked and robbed whom- 
soever they could ; that to this class Lt. Col. Sanderson was 
very severe ; so much so, that the practice was greatly broken 
up by the means suggested by him to the prisoners there con- 
fined ; deponent also declares that he never saw or heard of 
Lt. Col. Sanderson kicking or striking any man ; that, had 
such been the case, he would have been very likely to have 
heard of it, as he was a sergeant of a squad, and moreover was 
constantly present while Col. Sanderson Avas giving out said 
supplies." 

There is no evidence that Col. Sanderson kicked any mm; 
except one named Berry, and the account of this is given by 
Sanderson himself. His account appears clear and consist 
ent, but is too lengthy for quotation. He says : — ■ 

" It is the only event of my imprisonment I would care to 
alter; not because the party punished did not deserve that 
and more, but simply because it was an undignified exhibition 
of temper quite foreign to my nature, and not at all calculated 
to raise me in the estimation of my enemies or myself." 

Col. Sanderson, in his "Answer," says of Corporal Taylor, 
the only evidence against him who testifies to what he saw,} 
that while " acting for a while as issuing clerk, he was detected 
in the act of appropriating certain articles of clothing with- 
out permission, and punished by a return to the encampment, 
and the refusal on my part to allow him to draw anything 
from the general stock." 

After a careful consideration of all the evidence on this 
charge, and considering the fact that Gen. Dow saw none of 
the ill treatment of eur soldiers which he alleges, and that 
the only witness against Col. Sanderson who testifies to what 
he could have seen, is a private soldier who had been detected. 



113 

by Col. Sanderson in stealing, and punished therefor, and 
that even his statement is not given under the solemnity of 
an oath ; considering also the number and character of the 
officers who accompanied Col. Sanderson to Belle Isle and 
saw him in the daily performance of his duties, and who alii 
testify to the order, method, promptness, ability and efficiency 
with which he distributed the supply of clothing furnished by 
the government, the Commission is of the opinion that he 
deserves no censure for the manner in which he performed his 
duties while a member of the board of distribution. 



Charge 2d — Misappropriation of Government Storrs.. 

The following is the only evidence to sustain this charge. 

Gen. Doiv, says : — 

" The U. S. Sanitary Commission sent a great quantity of 
supplies to me for distribution, but the Rebels put them into 
the hands of Col. Sanderson. Only a small part of them was 
distributed. I am confident that a part Avas given to the 
Rebels by Sanderson, besides what they stole, and Col. San- 
derson appropriated to his own use a case of egg-nog, that 
was marked for the Hospital." 

Corporal Taylor, states that he— 

" Saw Col. Sanderson give some of the U. S. Clothing away 
to the Rebels, especially did he see the Col. give to one man 
an overcoat." 

In answer to the charge. Col. Sanderson produces the 
statements of several of his fellow officers,'prisoners in Libby t 

R. C. Knag^^s, A. D. C. to Gen. Baxter says :— 

" The distribution of the Sanitary Commission supplies was 
placed under the supervision of Capt. E. A. Fobes, C. S., 
without Lieut. Col. Sanderson being cognizant of the fact, 
and I believe that the stores were distributed equally with 
the exception of (as I have been told by Capt. E. A. Fobes 
himself) that of Col. Di Cesnola, and Brig.-Gen. Neal Dow who 
received rather more than anyone else, the latter pleading 
destitution." 



114 



Capt. E. A. Fobes, C. S., says :— 

" All Sanitary stores issued in Libby Prison passed through 
my hands, among other articles Col. Sanderson had one box 
of egg-nog charged to him. Gen. Dow also received a large 
supply of stores and gave his acknowledgement for the 



same. 



1st Lieiit. Tliompsoii Leniiig, 6th Pa Cav'y., says : — 

" Capt. Fobes made the distribution of the Sanitary goods, 
and I know that he was just and impartial." 

It appears from the statement of P. H. Copland, President 
of the American Dessicating Company, that this " egg-nog " 
was a preparation of eggs, milk and sugar without any spiritu- 
ous liquor. 

Hetoer L.e Favor, Col. 22nd Mich. Inft'y, says : — 

" Of the other stores, [?'. e. than clothing] I received quite a 
quantity through Capt. Fobes, and so far as I am aware, all of 
the officers received a portion of them." 

Col. Sanderson in his " answer " says, that he was one of 
■a committe of five, and was specially assigned to the distribu- 
tion of clothing on Belle Island, leaving to Cols. Yon Schrader 
and Hunter and Capt. Chamberlain the exclusive care of the 
prisoners in Warehouse and Hospitals, and to Lt. Col. Boyd, 
the entire control of the accounts. A copy of the order ap- 
pointing this " Board of Distribution " is filed with the 
papers of Col. Sanderson's defence and is marked " V." Col. 
Sanderson further says : 

*' At first it was intended that all the Sanitary Commission 
supplies should be exclusively reserved for the sick, and for a 
long time this intention was scrupulously observed, but for 
reasons which I either never knew or have forgotten, it was 
suddenly determined by the other members of the Committee, 
during my absence, to divide them equally among the officers 
in the prison, who would be expected to pay to the Sanitary 
Commission on their release the cost of the articles allotted 
them." 



115 

He says he was prepared on his reaching home to pay for 
his box of egg-nog, but was informed that the Commission 
declined to receive pay, and he therefore spent the amount at 
the fair held for its benefit subsequently in New York, and 
continues : 

" Like every other article of luxury, such as Condensed 
Milk, Canned Meats, Preserved Fruits and Jellies, and other 
articles of similar character, the box Avas branded 'hospital 
supplies.' " 

The statement of Corporal Taylor is positively denied to be 
true by Col. Sanderson, and is contradicted by Sergt. Toland 
and private Saurman, whose testimony is given above. 

In view of the foregoing testimony, the Commission is of 
opinion that there is no evidence to support the charge of 
Misappropriation of Government Stores. 



Charge 3d — Betrayal of a Plot to Escaye. 

Gen. Dow, says : — 

" Early last fall we had an arrangement nearly perfected 
for breaking out and capturing the city. We had about one 
thousand officers and about ten thousand soldiers, and were 
carefully guarded. Suddenly we saw two pieces of artillery 
planted near and bearing on us, and some companies of sol- 
diery stationed in front of the prison. Soon we heard that 
Col. Sanderson had betrayed us to the Rebels. 

" The indignation of the officers was very great, but it was 
finally allayed upon assurances that there was no intention of 
communicating the secret beyond our own officers in tlie hos- 
pital. After Col. Streight's unsuccessful attempt to escape, he 
was put into a damp, dark and cold cell underground, in irons, 
and supplied only with corn bread and water. While he 
remained in that condition Col. Sanderson told some Rebel 
Officers that Streight had organized a plan to break out, cap- 
ture and destroy the city. This Avas told in the presence of 
some of our officers, of whom Capt. Atwood, I think, was one. 



116 

Lt. Col. Archer and Capt. Atwood were often with Col. San- 
derson at Belle Isle and saw a great deal of him." 

It is a matter of regret that a charge so odious and damning 
as this, should, if true, rest only on the statement of one who 
says that he is not " personally cognizant of these matters." 
Gen. Dow intimates that Cols. Streight, and Archer and Capt.. 
Atwood especially the first named officers, could substantiate 
the charge, hut there is no evidence whatsoever from either 
of these officers in the papers submitted to this Commission. 

There appears, on an examination of the evidence, some- 
confusion as to w^hat particular plan of escape is alluded to in 
the statement of Gen. Dow. Several appear to have been 
contemplated and discussed by a greater or smaller number 
of the officers. 

Col. Sanderson in his "statement" gives a clear but lengthy 
account of a plan to escape, which had grown into proportions 
from a suggestion made by him, when it was proposed to 
move the prisoners from Richmond to Salisbury, N. C. This 
statement is corroborated by many officers. The plan appears 
to have been as folloAvs : 

A few brave and prudent men out of about one thousand 
officers, were to be selected as field and line officers, under the 
direction of Col. Cesnola, the remaining officers were to be 
recruited under the seal of secrecy as non-commissioned offi- 
cers and privates, each Captain selecting his company from 
his own associates, disclosing to each as much of the plan as 
would be necessary to insure his hearty co-operation, and 
willingness to drill punctually and obey orders. A map of 
Richmond was obtained, the location of depots of arms and 
artillery ascertained, the places of rendezvous of the Militia^ 
and the residence of the principal officers of the Rebel Gov- 
ernment noted. 

It was thought that, with the co-operation of our forces on 
the Peninsular on a given day, the guard could be overpow- 
ered, the City seized, and the prisoners on Belle Island (10,000) 
released. Col. Streight, it appears, thought this method too 
slow, and with a few associates proposed, without waiting for 



117 

co-operation from our Government, to overpower tlie guard — 
at that time Pickett's Division — to fire the City if strong 
enough, and take the chances of escaping to the Union Hnes. 
Whilst the officers were discussing the merits of this scheme 
•of Streight's, the extra force and guards spoken of in General 
Dow's communication was observed, and the officers apprised 
that a plan of escape had been betrayed to the rebels. Some 
of the enemies of Col. Sanderson charged him with being the 
traitor, not openly, but in his absence, and behind his back. 
It w411 appear from the above, that no plan of escape had been 
fully decided upon, but that certain plans were under discuS' 
sion, — that the rebels were not definitely informed of the de- 
tails of the plot, as all extra guards were withdrawn after two 
days ; and, as far as appears, any plan of escape that would 
have received the hearty co-operation of all the officers, would 
have been as likely to succeed after the betrayal as before,. 
This consideration, however, would not in the least diminish 
the turpitude of an officer wdio would so basely betray his 
comrades. 

It appears from the evidence, that while these plans ot 
escape were under discussion. Col. Sanderson was taken 
sick and sent to Hospital, and while there conversed on the 
subject of the escape with Colonels Powells and Nichols, and 
Captains Fisher and Skelton. From the communication of 
Capt. Skelton, it will be seen precisely who it was that be- 
tra3^ed the plan of escape : 

Capt. Skelton says — 

"I became acquainted with Lt.-Colonel James Sanderson 
in the month of July, 1863, in the Prison Hospital. I was in- 
troduced to him by Brig.-General Charles K. Graham, then 
a prisoner and wounded, lying in the Hospital, Lt.-Colonel 
; Sanderson being brought there sick. This, I believe, was in 
the month of October, 1863. He was not confined to bed, but 
moved about in the Hospital, and played and acted more the 
part of a nurse than a sick man. He was continually helping 
and attending to the wants of the wounded soldiers and offi- 
cers, frequently giving them sums of money to purchase such 
luxuries as their appetites might crave. I never saw Colonel 



118 

Sanderson in conversation with any of the rebel officers in 
the HospitaL T never heard any of my fellow-prisoners say 
the same, and I do not think while there in the Hospital that 
he ever visited the Surgeon's office ; if he had visited there, 
he would have had to pass down by my bed ; this I never saw 
him do. The Prison Hospital attendants were Federal pris- 
oners, some prisoners of war and some citizen prisoners, such as 
sutlers, quartermasters, clerks, &c. Whilst he was in Prison 
Hospital, I had frequent conversations with Lt.-Col. James M.. 
Sanderson, in one of which he mentioned to me of a plot 
among the Federal prisoners to escape en masse by striking 
down the guards, seizing the Richmond Arsenal, releasing the- 
Federal prisoners on Belle Isle and other parts of the City, 
some 15,000 strong. He spoke encouragingly of the plan, and 
thought if there would be a unity of action among the Fed- 
eral officers that it would meet with success. He also stated 
that Major-General Dix, then in command of the Union forces 
at Fortress Monroe, knew of the plan, and at the given time 
would co-operate witli us with the forces under his command. 
At this time there was an attendant in the Hospital by the 
name of Wm. L. Vermillion, a citizen prisoner, who was cap- 
tured on the Mississippi River, on the third day of May, 1863.. 
I knew him before his capture in Keokuk, Iowa. When I 
heard of his being a prisoner in Richmond, I interceded in his 
behalf, and succeeded in getting him detailed as nurse in the 
Prison Hospital. I at that time had every confidence in him- 
as a loyal man, believing him to be such, and thinking that no< 
person who had suffered imprisonment by the Richmond offi- 
cials could be anything else but loyal to the Federal Govern- 
ment. 

" I revealed to him this plot on the part of the Federal offi- 
cers to escape, as Lt.-Col. Sanderson did to me, soon after Lt.- 
Col. Sanderson left the Prison Hospital for the officer's quar- 
ters. There were two officers made their escape from the 
Prison Hospital, Wm. L, Vermillion at that time being allowed 
to pass from the officers' Prison Hospital to another Prison. 
Hospital occupied by enlisted Federal prisoners, he usually 
going in company with a rebel soldier, the distance being a 
little more than one block. While passing from one hospital 
to the other he met these two officers — Major Hewston, I 
think, of the 133d N. Y. Vols., and Lieut. Von Wilson, of the 
lltli N. Y. Cavalry, they just having made their escape from 
the prison disguised in rebel uniform. On his return to the 
officers' Hospital, he reported the escape of these two officers 
to the rebel Surgeon in my hearing, he being in the Dispen- 



119 

sary and only a board partition between us. I could hear all 
that passed between them very distinctly. After the escape 
of these two officers, the Federal sick and wounded officers were 
taken back to the prison as a punishment for the escape of 
the two officers, the next morning after the escape was made. 
' I never saw Wm. L. Vermillion after we were taken back 
to the prison, he being released and sent North by the rebel 
authorities soon afterwards. After he had gone, while in con- 
versation with the rebel Surgeon in regard to the escape of 
these two officers, I mentioned to him that I overheard Ver- 
million report the same to him ; he also told me he reported 
to Brig.-General "Winder, Commissary General of Prisoners, 
the following day, of the contemplated plan of the Federal offi- 
cers and prisoners of war to escape en masse. 

" I was also informed the same by the rebel Hospital Stew- 
ard, who stated that General Winder promised him his release 
for the information as regards this plot. After my escape, on 
my arrival in Washington, I published an account of Wm. L. 
Vermillion's revealing this plot, in the N. Y. Herald of Dec. 
20th, 1863. I also stated the facts verbally to the Secretary 
of War." 

That Col. Sanderson was not generally believed to have 
betrayed his comrades, will appear from the evidence of the 
following officers : 

Col. Le Favor says — 

" I heard many persons state that they considered Col. San- 
derson one amongst others that disclosed the plan, but I have 
not heard of or seen one that could prove that such was the 
. case, or one that would openl}'' charge him with the guilt. On 
the contrary, I have heard as many state that they could not 
believe him guilty of such a crime, and from my knowledge of 
him I am led to the conclusion that it would be impossible for 
him to do such a mean act as to betray a fellows-prisoner, a 
soldier of the United States." 

Lievit. Col. Williams says— 

" He was at one time charged by somebody with disclosing 
to the rebels a plan to escape. Some excitement ensued, when 
the charge was circulated, and a meeting was called by some 
person or persons to take action in regard to it. Some of his 
enemies had prepared resolutions in advance to be passed by 



120 

the meeting, but, after diligent investigation, no shadow of 
evidence could be found to justify them, and the meeting ad- 
journed, the general impression prevailing that the charge 
was malicious, and had been trumped up or manufactured by 
some of his squad of enemies to injure him in the estimation 
of his fellow-jDrisoners." 

Several officers allude to the meeting mentioned above, in 
similar language. 

Capt. H. Reese Wliiting^ says — 

'• I knew of the McKee meeting in the prison ; at its close, 
many who had been enemies of Col. Sanderson were his firm 
and steadfast friend The meeting was called, CoL Sanderson 
was absent, and the affair was considered as a mean and das- 
tardly attack upon an absent officer." 

Major John E. Clark says — 

" I remember a meeting was held in the middle room some- 
time in the month of January, at which I was told some 
charge had been brought against Col. Sanderson, I think 
in his absence from the building, but I heard a considerable 
number of gentlemen of unquestioned loyalty (some among 
them by no means friendly to Col. S.) speak of it as a disgrace 
to all who were active in it. Such was also my opinion from 
what I could gather of the course there taken. I am not aware 
that those bringing charges against Col. Sanderson on that 
■occasion, ever brought any sufficient proof to substantiate 
them, though I think they were invited to do so, if they 
could." 

Major Wm. Riissel, Jr., says — 

" About the 15th of January an incident occurred which 
gave Col. Sanderson's enemies an opportunity to display 
themselves. A meeting was called without specifying the ob- 
ject, and when convened it was found to be for the purpose of 
condemning Col. Sanderson for the perpetration of certain 
offences, of which proofs, when called for, were not forthcoming. 
This attempt to destroy an officer's character was so bare- 
faced, so contemptible, and so cowardly (Col. S. being absent,) 
that a reaction took place and produced a more kindly feeling 
towards the Colonel than had existed during his imprison- 
ment." 



121 

Surg^eon A. W. Whitney says— 

" I have hoard 6o^A Col. vSanderson and Col Streight accused 
of having divulged this plot to the enemy, the former by talk- 
ing about the plans to his brother officers before one of the 
nurses of the hospital — the latter by sending a threatening 
message to Major Turner, the Commandant of the Prison, say- 
ing, ' Tell Turner he'll be d d glad to see me, and that be- 
fore long ;' but I do not believe that either of these gentlemen 
would intentionally stoop so low as to betray the plans of their 
fellow-prisoners. " 

Lieut. Col. A. F. Rogers says — 

" Col. Sanderson was accused by some of the officious of be- 
traying a plan of escape to the rebels. It was not believed by 
the better class of officers. I do not know by whom this 
charge was originated. I never heard of any one charging 
Col. Sanderson with the act to his face, or willing to substan- 
tiate the charge by the slightest attempt at evidence." 

lit. Col. John Henry says : 

"He (Col. Sanderson) was accused of betraying a plan to 
«scape, but no one ever had the effrontry to make the charge 
directly to him, and when sifted out it had no foundation." 

Col. Thomas E. Rose says : 

" I have heard him charged with having betrayed a plan of 
escape to the rebels, but this charge was perfectly groundless. 
It emanated from one or two of Col. Sanderson's enemies, 
who apparently did not hesitate at saying anything, whether 
true or false, against any one they disliked. 

lit. Col. F. F. Cavada says : 

" I heard something of a plan to escape having been be- 
trayed to the rebel authorities by Col. Sanderson. As far as 
I know this did not extend beyond conjecture. I was then 
adverse to the opinion entertained by some of the prisoners 
that so base an act could have been perpetrated by any officer 
wearing the uniform of the United States. I have never seen 
anything since in the conduct of Col. Sanderson to warrant 
this accusation against his loyalty. Col. Sanderson had many 
enemies in the prison, and such a report concerning him was 
calculated to obtain credence in numerous quarters. I heard 



122 

the above charge repeatedly made against Col. Sanderson, but 
no substantial evidence in support of it ever came to my 
knowledge." 

There is testimony from several other officers to the same 
effect. 

It appears from a careful review of all the evidence on this 
charge that among the large number of officers (over one thous^ 
and confined at Richmond, various plans of escape were discuss- 
ed and two more or less matured. There was a want of unanimi- 
ty and hearty co-operation in any definite plan ; that wdiich 
was deemed practicable and prudent by some, being charac- 
terized as being mad and foolhardy by others. Jealousies and 
rivalries were common, and the most absurd rumors obtained 
a ready credence. It was while plans to escape were being 
most actively discussed, that Col. Sanderson Avas taken sick 
and carried to the hospital. A day or two after his return from 
the hospital the extra guards were placed around the prison, and 
the conviction obtained ground among the prisoners that they 
had been betrayed. Some of Col. Sanderson's enemies accused 
him of the crime, and the charge was busily circulated. It 
seems that no attempt was ever made to substantiate the 
charge by evidence, nor was its truth generally believed by 
the better class of officers. The statement of Capt. Skelton, 
given above, shows precisely who it was that gave information 
to the rebel authorities of the proposed plan, and fully ex- 
honorates Col. Sanderson from all blame in the matter. 

The Commission, after a careful examination of all the evi- 
dence, are of opinion that the charge that Col. Sanderson 
betrayed a plan of escape is without foundation ; had its origin 
in the malice of his enemies, and is repeated by Gen'l Dow 
without sufficient evidence. 

Charge 4th — Disloyalty. 

Geu. Dow says in his letter to Major General Hitchcock : 

" The conviction among the officers generally was that he 
was disloyal ; had little or no sympathy with our cause, but 
much for the rebels. Col. Sanderson was constantly defend- 



123 

ing the rebels and justifying them in their treatment of our 
soldiers — averring that they were properly treated. 

" Some of this I heard on one occasion, and interposed with 
the facts at Belle Isle which existed under his observation. 

"Col. di Cesnola, for the last two or three months, held no 
communication whatever with him — so entire was his confi- 
dence of his infidelity to the country. He will gladly furnish 
any information in his possession, as he believes the good of 
the service requires Col. Sanderson's dismissal from it. My 
conviction was that Col. Sanderson had no sympathy with the 
Union cause. His conversation, so far as I knew of it, indi- 
cated a decided hostility to the administration and its measures;, 
and certainly he manifested no kindly feeling towards our 
soldiers, who were suffering so much in their country's ser- 
vice. By our officers, generally, at Richmond, he was regarded 
with distrust. Very few of them had any intercourse with 
him, and great care was used to keep every matter from his- 
knowledge that we wished to keep from the Rebels." 

In answer to this charge. Col. Sanderson gives a lengthy 
statement of his original entry into the service and subsequent 
military history. From this statement it would appear that,, 
at the beginning of the war. Col. Sanderson was holding a 
confidential and lucrative position in the New- York Hotel, " a 
celebrated sojourning place in New- York city for Southern- 
ers." The Colonel says that, after the attack on Fort Sumpter,. 
his Southern sympathy and conservative views melted into- 
thin air. Endorsed unanimously by the Union Defence Com- 
mittee and by other prominent citizens of New-York, he 
sought employment in the Subsistence Department, and was 
one of /o?<r bidders for the first batch of Treasury notes. For 
this his employer dismissed him on one day's notice. Unsuc- 
cessful in an attempt to bring to the notice of the Secretary of 
War a plan for teaching the soldiers how to cook their rations, 
he returned to New- York and was authorized by Gov. Morgan 
to test the practicability of his plans in some of the New-York 
regiments. 

It appears from the statement of Dr. E. Harris, U. S. Sani- 
tary Commission, that he was " triumphantly" successful in 
the 15th N. Y. Failing in getting his plans approved by Con- 
gress, he accepted the position of Q. Master, 22d Mass. Vols., 



r 



124 

tendered him by the Hon. Henry Wilson. He soon after re- 
ceived his appointment as Commissar}^ and was assigned to 
duty with the hxte Gen. Wadsworth, with whom he remained 
until the General was assigned to the Military Governorship 
of Washington. He filled up his leisure time in the winter by 
preparing a book on Camp Cookery, which was published and 
distributed by the Government. He was Gen. McDowell's 
Chief Commissary of the First Corps. In July, 1862, on the 
recommendation of the same General, he Avas made Major and 
Add'l Aid-de-Camp ; and, on the recommendation of Major- 
Gen. John F. Reynolds, was, in January, 1863, promoted Lt. 
Colonel. He served with Gen. Hooker in the Antietam cam- 
paign, and with Generals Rejmolds and Newton, at Fredericks- 
burg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. 

In proof of his patriotism and loyalty. Col. Sanderson pro- 
duces the testimony of various officers with whom he has served, 
and with whom he was associated in prison. 

Major Gen. Meade, Commanding Army of the Potomac, 

says : — 

" This is to certify to all whom it may interest, that I have 
tnown James M. Sanderson, late Lt. Col. in the Volunteer 
Subsistence Department, since the month of April, 1862, at 
which time he was serving as Chief of his Department in the 
First Corps, under the command of Major-Gen. I. McDowell. 
Afterwards I commanded, for a short period, the First Corps ; 
^nd, subsequently, a Division in that Corps, under Gen. Rey- 
nolds, during which time Lt. Cob Sanderson was Chief of his 
Department, in Avhich position he remained till taken prisoner, 
about three weeks after the battle of Gettysburg. In all this 
time, my knowledge of Lt. Col. Sanderson was to show him 
to be an active, intelligent officer, zealous in the discharge of 
his duties, and of distinguished gallantry on the field of battle 
— I being personally cognizant of his services at Fredericks- 
burg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. 

" I have frequently conversed with the officers w^ith whom 
"Col. Sanderson immediately served, particularly Major-Gens. 
McDowell and Reynolds, and Brig.-Gen. Wadsworth ; and 
■uniformly heard these officers express themselves favorably 
of Col. Sanderson. I never heard his loyalty or fidelity to his 
country questioned, and learned with equal regret and surprise 



125 

that charges of this character had been brought against him 
whilst a prisoner at Richmond. 

" I am of the opinion that the past services and good con- 
duct of Lt. Col. Sanderson entitle him to a fair investigation, 
and trust the Government will grant the same." 

Major Gen. Hoolier, in a letter addressed to Col. San- 
derson says : — 

" I commanded the First Corps during the Maryland cam- 
paign, until wounded at the battle of Antietam ; and, from 
perf^onal observation know you to have been as true to the 
policy of the Administration and to the Government as any 
officer in the Army. This was at a period when the policy of 
the Administration in regard to Slavery was discussed more 
■ openly and freely than at any other period of which I have 
knowledge. It aflbrds nie great pleasure to make this state- 
ment, for I fully remember the great satisfaction it gave me 
to meet with one whose views coincided with my own. This 
was at a period of the war when it seemed to be fashionable 
to entertain opposite opinions. Subsequently, I remember,, 
we had many interviews in which this, with other topics, 
formed the subject of our conversation, which always resulted 
in the enhancement of my estimation of your loyalty. In- 
deed, I should as soon think of distrusting my own fidelity tO' 
the cause as yours. 

"With respect to your conduct in battle and your ability 
and efficiency in the performance of your duties, it gives me- 
no less pleasure to recur to them. In all regards, your official 
character and conduct were entirely satisfactory to me. 

B'vt Bri^. Gen. Sliarpe says : — 

"I have known Lt. Col. Sanderson since May, 1849. I lived 
with him nearly two years at that time, and at intervals since ; 
and, during that time, I never knew Col. Sanderson to behave 
in a cruel or tyrannical manner to those under him. The 
servants always remained with him, and even followed him to 
other hotels. He always kept the servants under good disci- 
pline. I frequently made my home at the New- York Hotel,, 
and particularly during the winter for several years. I under- 
stood, after Col. Sanderson left the New-York Hotel, that the 
reason he left was on account of his open and very de- 
cided espousal of the Union party. This I learned from the 
old habituis of the Hotel, who had been there for several years,, 



126 

like myself. I have discontinued going to the New-York 
Hotel on account of the Southern feeling that prevailed there. 

"About three months ago, Col. Sanderson wrote to me, say- 
ing he expected to have a hearing in his case ; and I drew up 
a paper stating my knowledge of the Colonel, and my opinion 
of his loyalty. That paper received a very special endorse- 
ment from Gen. Patrick, in which he stated that Col. Sander- 
son had served under his command ; and he spoke from his 
personal knowledge of Col. Sanderson's character as a gen- 
tleman and his high efficiency in his Department. The paper 
also had a very warm endorsement from Gen. Seth Williams. 
Both of these endorsements were lengthy and special. The 
paper had a number of signatures : among others those of 
Gen. Hunt ; Lt. Cols. Barton and Riddle ; Major Cox, C. S. ; 
Headquarters, Army of the Potomac. This paper bore strong 
testimony to Col. Sanderson's conduct as a gentleman and 
soldier, and, I remember, it was made a matter of special re- 
mark, that he always Avent into battle with his commanders. 
This paper was left to be forwarded by an officer at H. Qrs. 
Army of the Potomac, and I understood it was mailed from 
there and has miscarried. 

" I think that those who knew Col. Sanderson would say 
that he is impulsive. I do not think that Col. Sanderson is 
what would be called a profane man, although I have heard 
him use profane language. My opinion of Col. Sanderson is 
such that I would trust any interest I have in the world in his 
hands, and I have not the slightest doubt of his lo^'alty. 

" I have never heard a doubt expressed of his loyalty ; on 
the contrary, I have heard the utmost surprise expressed that 
he was charged with disloyalty." 

Col. Henry A. Morro^v says : — 

" I have known Lt. Col. Sanderson, as a soldier, for about 
two years. I think I was introduced to him by the late Brig- 
Gen. Wadsworth, who felt for him the liveliest feelings of re- 
gard. 

" Col. Sanderson was at this time attached to the staff of 
the late Major-Gen. Reynolds, in the capacity of Chief Com- 
missary. I had occasion to meet Col. S. at various times and 
places during the spring of 1863, and immediately after the 
battle of Gettysburg, July 1863 ; I was in his company for 
several hours. The conversation at such a time naturally 
turned on the RebelHon, and the means adopted to pun it 
down. CoL Sanderson was positive and emphatic in his de- 



127 

nunciations of the Rebellion and every body and every thing 
connected with it. I do not remember ever to have heard 
any man denounce the Southern leaders in more caustic and 
bitter terms than did Col. S. on that occasion. He was espe- 
cially severe on the institution of Slavery — which he declared 
to be the cause of all our troubles, and my recollection is that 
he favored the idea of settling the negroes on the lands in the 
West. I state this to show my recollection of this conversa- 
tion. He repeated many times in the course of the conversa- 
tion, that he believed the policy adopted by Mr. Lincoln to be 
constitutional, wise, and just ; and he declared that, sooner 
than not subdue the Rebellion, he would make the South a 
wilderness and a desolation. I do not undertake to give the 
exact language of Col. S., but I remember that it Avas out- 
spoken and terribly denunciator}'-. 

" I have no doubt whatever, judging simply from what I 
have heard him say, that Col. James M. Sanderson is most 
loyal to the country and is as warm a friend to the policy of 
the Administration as is to be found anywhere. It is within 
my personal knowledge that he enjoyed the respect and con- 
fidence of that noble patriot, Gen. Wadsworth." 

Dr. E, Harris, of the U. S. Sanitary Commission, referring 
to the services of Col. Sanderson while with the 15th N. 
Y., previous to his appointment as Commissary, says :— 

"At that time, and ever since, I had no doubt that you were 
prompted by the highest patriotism and humanity to under- 
take that work. Indeed, in the City of New- York, it Avas 
well known that you were, from the attack on Fort Sumpter, 
a bold and manly defender of our National cause, and ready to 
serve in the war in any way you could be most useful." 

That the loyalty and support of the Administration of Col. 
Sanderson were not diminished by his prison experiences, 
would appear from the certificates of the following officers, 
his companions in captivity. 

Col. C. W. Tildeii, 16th Me. Yols., says :— 

*' During the whole of my imprisonment, I was very intimate 
with Col. Sanderson — messing with him, sleeping near him, 
joining with him in his evening amusements, conferring with 
him on business matters and on private affairs, and frequently 



128 

discussing political subjects — and I always found him a pleas- 
ant associate, ever ready to promote the interests of those 
about him ; ready and willing to give advice Avlien required ; 
and a warm snpporter of the Administration, upholding the 
Government in its most vigorous and stringent efforts to 
crush the Rebellion. I never heard or knew of his express- 
ing opinions adverse to this Administration or any of its 
measures, or any opinions antagonistical to the cause of Union 
and freedom. I never heard him express any opinion in favor 
of the South or its institutions ; on the contrary, I have heard 
him repeatedly express himself as being an open and avowed 
abolitionist. I never saw him on more intimate terms with 
Rebel officers than, in my opinion, was justifiable, or his du- 
ties as one of the Committee demanded. I did not consider 
him a disloyal man, neither was he so considered by a large 
number of the oflQcers. I am knowing to the fact that he did 
as far as possible use his influence with the Rebel authorities 
to mitigate or ameliorate the rigors of our imprisonment, and 
that in some instances he was successful." 

Col. Heber JLeFavoiir, 22d Mich. Vols., says : — 

" In many conversations with him [Col. S.] I have never 
heard him express any sentiment adverse to the Administra- 
tion or its measures ; and, j;e?' contra, have heard him support 
it and its measures very ardently. By his conversation, I 
judged him to be a Republican, and quite Radical on the sub- 
ject of the Abolition of Slavery. He was quick, impulsive, 
and at times imprudent in speech and actions ; but I can- 
not believe him guilty of disloyalty to the United States, nor 
of treachery to his fellow-prisoners ; and do not think there 
was a more loyal man in Libby Prison than he." 

Col. P. di Cesiiola, 4th N. Y. Cavalry, referring to the 
statement of Gen, Dow given above, that " Col. di'Ces- 
" nola, for the last two or three months, held no commu- 
" nication whatever with him, so entire was his conviction 
" of his infidelity to the country. He will gladly furnish 
" any information in his possession, as he believes the good 
" of the service requires Col. Sanderson's dismissal from 
" it," says :— 

" I have never made such assertion, nor have I authorized 
any officer to make it in my name. The diflferences existing 



129 

between you and myself, if any existed, were of a private 
character, and were not in consequence of any change of 
opinion on ray part concerning you. To accuse a man of 
being a traitor or disloyal to his country requires a great deal 
•of evidence to show it, and I am happy to say I have never 
seen any such evidence which would justify me to call Col. 
.Sanderson with such names." 

Col. Thos. E. Rose, 77th Pa. Vols., says :— 

" I never heard him express sentiments, antagonistic to our 
■Government or the Administration. I never heard him say 
anything, nor did I ever see anything in his conduct that would 
indicate that he sympathized with the Rebels or any of their 
institutions." 

Lt. Col. 11. S. Northcott, 12th W. Va. Vols., says :— 

" I had frequent conversations with him in relation to the 
policy of our Government concerning the exchange of prison- 
ers, and he uniformly expressed a cheerful acquiescence in that 
policy. I never heard him utter a word of complaint against his 
Government, but I frequently heard him rebuke others who 
were inclined to complain. I never heard Col. Sanderson utter 
a word in favor of the Southern Confederacy. I well remem- 
ber, that at the time the Rebel authorities at Richmond refused 
to recognize Gen. Butler as Commissioner of Exchange, that 
he expressed his indignation to me in the strongest terms. I 
<do not recollect all that he said to me at the time, but I re- 
member his excusing the conduct of Gen. Butler in his Mili- 
tary jA dministration at New Orleans, and also of his saying 
that the Rebels, who Avere nothing but a set of oidlaivs them- 
selves, had no right to decide any other man in Christendom 
an outlaw, and that our Government Avould be justifiable in 
breaking off all intercourse with the Rebels by liag of truce 
boat until they did recognize Butler, and that as a prisoner, 
he (Sanderson) would be willing to endure any suffering that 
might result from such a course on the part of our Govern- 
ment." 

LX. Col. Jere Williams, 25th Ohio Vols., says :— 

" During a great part of the time that we both were there, 
[Libby Prison,] we were in the same room, and were neces- 
sarily often together. During our stay there, I never heard 
him express any opinion adverse to our Government or its 



130 

measures ; nor ever did I hear him speak of the Confederacy^ 
except in terms of condemnation, sometimes very strong. 

" He conducted himself at all times, so far as I could learn, 
as a zealous Union man and as a strong supporter of the Gov- 
ernment. I am very decidedly of opinion that, instead of 
censure, he should receive commendation and thanks for his 
efforts in behalf of the wretched inmates of Libby." 

Lt. Gol. Frederick F. Cavada, 114th Pa. Vols., says : — 

" I never heard anything, whilst in the Libby or since I left 
it, that could induce me to believe in the report that Col. San- 
derson was a traitor to the Government under which he served.''' 

Col. B. F. Fisher, U. S. Signal Corps, says : — 

" I never heard him express any opinion adverse to our 
Government or its measures, or express any sympathy for the 
Confederacy or its institutions. He was not considered dis- 
loyal by the better class of ofiicers or shunned in conse- 
quence." 

Lt. Col. A. F. Roj?ers, 80th 111. Vols., says :— 

" From what I saw and knew of Col. Sanderson, I would 
consider him a loyal man, and not opposed to the present Ad- 
ministration and its measures, and not in sympathy with the- 
Rebellion. I consider Col. Sanderson more deserving of 
praise than censure for his efforts in behalf of his comrades." 

Lt. Col. Joliu Henry, 5tli Ohio Cavalry, says : — 

" I was, while a prisoner, very intimate with Lt. Col. San- 
derson, and had many conversations with him on literary and 
political subjects. Heard his views on the Rebellion, but 
never heard him express any sympathy for those engaged in 
it ; on the contrary, he was very bitter against all Rebels." 

Major J. Harris Hooper, 15th Mass. Vols., says :— 

" During my acquaintance with Lt. Col. Sanderson, (which 
Avas of an intimate character,) I never heard him give expres- 
sion to any sentiments adverse to the U. S. Government 
or its measures, or in any Avay favorable to the Rebel Govern- 
ment or its institutions ; and I never heard or saw anything 
that caused me to believe him other than a thoroughly loyal 
man." 



131 

Major Wm. Russell, Jr., A. A. G. Mid. Mil. Div., says t 

"I have had frequent discussions with Col. Sanderson on the 
subject of politics, and have heard him express himself on the 
questions at issue ; but I never heard him express any senti- 
ments adverse to the Administration or its measures, or say 
anything in favor of the Confederacy or its institutions. On; 
the contrary, he avowed himself openly as an Abolitionist. 
and went further in his. devotion to the Administration than, 
was concurred in by many of his hearers." 

Major J. E. Cl^irk, 5th Mich. Cav., says : — 

" I never heard him express sentiments adverse to the Gov- 
ernment or its measures, or favorable to the Confederacy or 
its institutions ; nor did I suspect him of entertaining such 
sentiments." 

Lt. Col. Charles Farnsworth's testimony is in nearly the 
same words. 



Surgeon A. W. Whitney, 13th Mass. Vols.,, says : — 

" I never heard him express sentiments hostile to the Ad"- 
ministration or its measures, or show the slightest sympathy 
with the so-called Southern Confederacy or its institutions. 
He was not shunned by the better class of officers on account 
of his disloyalty ; on the contrary, his society was much 
sought after. I believe him to be as loyal as Gen. Neal Dow^ 
and as patriotic as Col. Streight — without the whine of the 
former, or the bluster of the latter. From my knowledge of 
Col. Sanderson previous to his capture, and his present repu- 
tation in the Corps. I do not believe him capable of treachery 
to his comrades, treason to his Government, or inhumanity to 
any creature however lowly. While in prison, I believe, he 
Avas one of the few officers who did not growl and complaii^ 
because the U. S. Government did not effect exchanges more- 
rapidly." 

Capt. Ualph O. Ives, 10th 3tlass. Vols., says :— 

"As regards Mr. Sanderson, whom I have known for ten 
years, I give it as my belief that he is and always has been a 
perfectly loyal man, who would not in any wise give aid or 
comfort to the enemy ; that my relations with Mr. Sanderson 
were of the most intimate character;, that we messed together. 



132 

slept side by side ; in short, we were constantly in each 
other's society ; that, in all my intercourse with him, (and I 
was honored with his perfect confidence,) I never heard him 
express a sentiment of sympathy with a rebel or with their 
cause ; or ever knew of his doing anything that might be 
construed into sj^mpathy — not that he was blatant in his abuse 
of the rebel authorities, which was equally puerile and in bad 
taste by a prisoner, but that he always protested against harsh 
usage ; and frequently by his quiet, manly, and dignified re- 
monstrance saved his fellow-prisoners from abuse." 

Capt. Edward A. Mass, 88th Pa. Vols., says : — 

" I heard him on one occasion conversing with a rebel citi- 
zen, (I was told he was an editor,) and that conversation was 
strongly loyal, and against Southern treason in every shape 
and form." 

Capt. Edward A. Fotoes, C. S. 2d Div. Cav. Corps, says : 

" On several occasions I have heard him speak boldly and 
openly to Confederate officers when his own Government was 
maligned or its policy misrepresented. His sentiments, as ex- 
pressed in prison, led me to think hini thoroughly loyal to his 
•country and its cause." 

Similar testimony as to his loyalty, in some cases expressed 
in much stronger language, is given by 
Captain Martin Tower, 13th Mass. Vols. 

E. McB. TiMONEY, 15th U. S. Infantry. 

George H. Starr, 104th N. Y. Vols. 

J. M. Mc Comas, 9th Md. Vols. 

E. Charlier, 157th N. Y. Vols. 

S. G. Hamlin, 134th N. Y. Vols. 

H. Rees Whiting, 24th Mich. A^ols. 
Adj't P. Owen Jones, 2d N. Y. Cavalry. 

N. McEvoY, 3d 111. Cavalry. 
First Lt. E. C. Knaggs, A.D.C. to Gen. Baxter. 
Sec'd Lt. Harland Richardson, 19th Ind. Vols. 
Sec'd Lt. Geo. D. Bisbee, 16th Me. Vols. 
Acting Master W. E, H. Fentress, U. S. Navy. 

The only evidence against the loyalty of Col. Sanderson 



133 

in the papers before the Commission, is contained in the state- 
ment of Gen. Dow, as above quoted. Attention is called to 
the fact that the alleged disloyal utterances of Col. Sander- 
son were not made, the most of them, in the presence of Gen. 
Dow, but his opinion of the disloyalty of Col. Sanderson was 
founded upon what others told him. He specially men- 
tions Col. Cesnola as saying that Col. Sanderson was disloyal 
and ought to be dismissed the service. 

Col. Cesnola, in his statement given above, denies ever 
having made such an assertion, or authorized any officer to 
make it for him. The testimony of officers of the highest 
rank, who knew Col. Sanderson previous to his imprisonment,, 
is explicit as to his open and avowed loyalty. Among these- 
officers are Major-Generals Meade, Hooker, Reynolds, McDow- 
ell, and the late Brig.-General "Wadsworth. The testimony of 
his fellow-prisoners is uniform to the point that he was em- 
phatic, while in prison, in his support of the Administration 
and its measures. The testimony is cumulative and conclu- 
sive to the point that, while in prison. Col. Sanderson ex- 
pressed himself as a thoroughly loyal man, and a Avarm sup- 
porter of the Administration and its measures. 

After a careful cqnsideration of all the testimony, the Com- 
mission is of opinion that the charge of disloyalty is utterly 
without foundation. 

The above are all the charges brought against Col. Sander- 
son by Gen. Neal Dow and Corporal Taylor, and in the opinion 
of the Commission a satisfactory defence is made to them all.- 
Much additional testimony, however, is contained in the pa- 
pers for the defence, and for a thorough understanding of thd 
case, it will be necessary to show the duties Col. Sandersok 
was called upon to perform while in prison, and how, while in 
the proper performance of these duties, he aroused opposition 
and made enemies. 

The rooms in which they were confined at Libby Prison^ 
were divided and known as the " Eastern Department" and 
" "Western Department," into the former of Avhich Col. San- 
derson and his companions were put. The Eastern Depart- 



134 

.ment Avas under the direction of Col. C. W. Tildeii, 16tli Me,, 
•and the Western Department under A. D. Streight. Col. San- 
derson having been a hotel keeper, and having some reputa- 
tion as a cook, was selected as kitchen director of tlie Eastern 
Department. 

Major Will. Russell, A. A, G. M. M. Div., says : — 

"Soon after our arrival Col. Sanderson was requested to 
•assume direction and supervision of the culinary arrangements 
of the department, which he did greatly to the advantage of 
;all parties, introducing a system and regularity unattainable 
(under any other circumstances. 

" His duties were to teach the mess cooks how to prepare 
their rations, arranging the hours and mode of occupying the 
stoves and tables, and settling all disputes in relation thereto, 
arising between the various parties engaged in cooking and 
.setting the tables. The situation was a most trying one, 
■and demanded the greatest amount of patience, good temper, 
and impartiality ; and was calculated to make many eiiemies 
for its occupant. No man gave more trouble or called upon 
jCoI. S. more frequently than Capt. Atwood. So well did 
this system work, however, that we became the envy of 
tfckie adjoining department, known as " Streight and Milroy's," 
and efforts were made to obtain an unanimous invitation to 
'■Col. Sanderson to undertake the supervision of their kitchen, 
but the scheme failed." 

Many other officers testify to the same effect, not only to the 
value of Col. Sanderson's services, but also that the position 
was calculated to make the Colonel many enemies, and did 
make enemies. In a political discussion, Col. Streight took 
■occasion to fasten a quarrel upon Col. Sanderson, and abused 
liim in a shameful manner. 

Col. Rogers, who was present, says : — 

" Every officer that heard it censured Col. Streight. After 
the difficulty Col. Streight was a persistent enemy of Col. 

Sanderson." 

The testimony is unanimous that the personal bearing ot 
Col. Sanderson, while in prison, was courteous, affable and 



135 

gentlemanly, and that lie was ever ready to perform kind 
<offices for his fellow prisoners. 

Col. Tilden says : — 

"He was noted for keeping sundry little conveniences on 
hand for those less provident, and in many instances I have 
known officers to call on him for favors of this kind, who on 
former occasions had abused him, and he was always ready to 
meet their request if in his power." 

Lt. Jones, Adj't 2d N. Y. Cav., after testifying to the number- 
less acts of kindness performed by Col. Sanderson towards 
his fellow-prisoners, says : — 

" I have yet to learn an instance where he refused anything 
that was in his power to do, or give either to friend or foe, 
when applied to." 

Yery many of the officers testify that Col. Sanderson lent 
them money on various occasions, and that he lent money to 
several officers to enable them to escape from prison. 

It would seem from the statement of Col. Rose, that Col. 
Streight himself was enabled to escape by means of money 
loaned by Col. Sanderson. 

He says : — 

"'Major McDanald borrowed money from Col. Sanderson, by 
which he and Col. Streight effected their escape from Rich- 
mond." 

And he says very justly : 

" These officers would not have entrusted Col. Sanderson 
with the secret if they had suspected Jiim of treachery." 

Major McDanald corroberates the statement of Col. Rose. 
Col. Rose is Col. of the 77th Regt. Penn. Yols., and was, ac- 
'Cording to his own account — 

" The originator of that scheme (the tunnel) and the leader 
«of it throughout." 

He says Col. Streight knew nothing of the tunnel until 
after he had been working at it for more than a month. 



136 

%. At the time Longstreet's Corps was passing through Rich- 
mond to reinforce Bragg, Col. Sanderson offered five hun- 
dred dollars to any officer who would escape and convey the 
intelligence to our Government. 

The kindness and consideration of Col. Sanderson for his 
fellow-prisoners was shown when he left Libby Prison. 

Major Russell says : — 

" When about to be exchanged, Col. Sanderson divided 
among his companions and messmates everything he was 
possessed of in the shape of books, clothing, bedding and 
subsistence, amounting to over two hundred dollars, if not. 
more, carrying away with him the contents of a haversack 
and one blanket." 

His conduct in this particular was in marked contrast to' 
that of his principal accuser. Gen. Dow, who, according to his> 
own account, carried away from Libby " two large trunks." 

That Col. Sanderson was an active and efficient officer is 
undisputed, and abundantly appears from the evidence in the 
case. Attention is called to the statements of Genl's. Meade 
and Hooker, who both testify to his distinguished gallantry 
on the field of battle. It appears that he always insisted on 
going into battle with his Commanding General. 

After a very careful and thorough consideration of all the 
evidence in this case, the Commission is of opinion that there 
is not a shadow of foundation for the charges of Misappropria- 
tion of Government Stores, or Disloyalty. 

With regard to the charge of cruel treatment of our prison- 
ers at Belle Isle, the Commission is of opinion that Col. San- 
derson, though strict in the enforcement of discipline, is inno- 
cent. The testimony shows conclusively that Col. Sanderson 
was active and untiring in alleviating the sufferings and 
promoting the interests of his fellow-prisoners, whether 
enlisted men or commissioned officers. 

The Commission is of opinion that the conduct of Col. San- 
derson while a prisoner in Richmond deserves praise an^ not 



137 

censure, and they respectfully recommend, that the order dis 
missing him from the service be revoked. 
(Signed) 

JOHN C. CALDWELL, 
Brig. -Gen. U. S. Vols., 

Brest. Com. 
GEORGE. A. H. BLAKE, 
Col. \st U. S. Cav'y. 
George H. Caldwell. 

Capt. & A. A. G., Recorder. 

Office 3Iilitary Commission, ) 
302 "H," St., Cor. 17th, V 
Washington, Aug. 17, 1865. j 
(Official Copy.) 

George H. Caldwell, 

Capt. & A. A. G., Recorder. 



Special Orders, 
No. 288. 



War Department, 

Adjidant GeneraVs Offi,ce, 

Washington, June 8th, 1865. 



Extract.^ 



17. Paragraph 19 of Special Orders No. 272 from this: 
office, dated June 2, 1865, is hereby amended to read as fol- 
lows : 

" The Military Commission, to whom the case of Lieutenant- 
Colonel James M. Sanderson, Major, additional Aide-de-Camp; 
and Captain, Commissary of Subsistence, United States Vol- 
unteers, was referred for investigation and report, having 
made their report, to the effect that Lt.-Coh Sanderson's con- 
duct, while a prisoner at Richmond, deserves praise rather 
than ce«s?<re, and recommending that the order dismissing him 



138 

from service be revoked. Paragraph 7 of Special Orders, No. 
20*7, from this Office, dated June 23, 1864, is by direction of 
the President, herebv revoked and annulled, to take eifect 
May 27, 1865. 



By order of the Secretary of War. 

E. D. TOWNSEND, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 
(Official.) 

E. D. ToWNSEND, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 
Lieut.-Col. James M. Sanderson — Present. 



War Department, 
Adjutant GeneraVs Office, 
Washington, June 19, ' 1865. 
Special Orders, 
No. 315. 

[^Extract.] 



53. By direction of the President, so much of Special Or- 
ders, No. 288, Paragraph 17, from this office, dated June 8, 
1865, as re-instates Lieutenant-Colonel James M. Sanderson, 
Major and Additional Aid-de-Camp, is hereby amended so as 
to restore him without loss of pay. 



By order of the Secretary of War, 

E. D. TOWNSEND, 

Ass^t Adj. Gen'L 
(Official) 

E. D. Townsend, 

AssH Adj. Gen'l. 
;Lt. Col. James M. Sanderson, 

No. 129 Remsen St., 

Brooklyn, N. Y 



139 

War Department, 
Adjutant General's Office, 
WashinCxTOn, Aug. 15, 1865. 
.Special Orders, \ 
No. 440. i" 

\_Extract.'] 
29. Under the provisions of General Orders No. 79, May 1, 
1865, from this Office, the services of the following named 
officers being no longer needed, they are hereby honorably 
mustered out of the service of the United States. They will 
;receive no final payments until they shall have satisfied the 
Pay Department that they are not indebted to the United 
States. 

Lt. Col. James M. Sanderson, Major, Additional Aid-de- 
-Camp and Captain, Commissary of Subsistence, U. S. Volun- 
teers. 

Bv order of the Secretary of War, 

E. D. TOWNSEND, 

AssH Adj. Gen'L 
.(Official) 

E. D. Townsend, 

A.A. G. 



JS.1S E3PISOI>E. 



During the last session of the so-called Confederate Con- 
gress, a committee of that body made a report, in answer to 
the charge of cruelty to prisoners, of which the following is 
an extract : — 

THE FEDERAL COL. SANDERSON'S TESTIMONY. 

" In connection with this point, your committee refer to the 
testimony of a Federal officer, Col. Jas. M. Sanderson, whose 
letter is annexed to the deposition of Maj. Turner. He testi- 
fies to the full delivery of the clothing and supplies from the 
North, and to the humanity and kindness of the Confederate 
officers, specially mentioning Lt. Bossieux, commanding the 
Belle Isle. His letter was addressed to the President of the 
United States Sanitary Commission, and was beyond doubt 
received by him, having been forwarded by the regular flag 
of truce. Yet the scrupulous and honest gentlemen compos- 
ing that Commission have not found it convenient for their 
purposes to insert this letter in their publication. Had they 
been really searching for the truth, this letter %vould have 
aided them in finding it." 

Also the subjoined : — 

* * * "And this is confirmed by the Federal Colonel 
Sanderson, who states that the average number of deaths per 
month, on Belle Isle, was from " two to five — more frequently 
the lesser number." The sick were promptly removed from 
the Island to the hospitals in the city." 

From the introduction as published in the New-York Tri- 
bune, from which the above are taken, I learn that the accom- 
panying documents, including Maj. Turner's deposition and 
my letter, were destroyed by fire. As the deductions drawn 
from that letter are false and calculated to injure me in the 
estimation of my friends, I deem it my duty to place the miss- 
ing document on record for the purpose of showing the bad 



142 

faith of the committee in question, and to enable those suffi- 
ciently interested, to deduce from my own words precisely 
what I did say. 

In order to obtain a proper understanding of the reasons 
which impelled me to write the letter aforesaid, I would sim~ 
ply state, that whilst a prisoner I was unfortunate enough to 
lose my wife — my companion in life for twenty-five years^ 
whose last expiring moments were embittered by the thoughts 
of my suffering, as seen through the darkly colored recitals 
of returning prisoners. Sorrowing for this unnecessary grief, 
I accidentally became possessed of certain information, which 
I thought it my duty to convey at once to some one through 
whom it might be spread broadcast throughout the North, 
and happily relieve the mental woes of thousands similarly 
situated. I was also desirous of correcting what I conceived 
was an accidental error, obtaining great currency at home, in. 
regard to the disposition of the clothing and supplies sent us 
by the Government and the various charitable societies, which 
was causing much ill-feeling and some inconvenience, as the 
Confederate authorities refused to issue even our private 
boxes until it was corrected. 

Having, as I supposed, a sufficiently intimate acquaintance 
with the Rev, Henry W. Bellows, the eminent divine and 
popular President of the U. S. Sanitary Commission, I selected 
him as the most fitting person to whom such a communication 
should be addressed; arguing that, as a minister of the Gospel, 
and an official disseminator of the truth, he would gladly avail 
himself of the opportunity to pour oil on the troubled waters 
and correct a needless error ; but, for reasons of sufficient 
validity in his judgment, he declined to publish the document 
■ — leaving for our enemies to do so, with their own deductions 
for his refusal. Luckily, among the very few articles brought 
with me from my prison-house were the notes from which the 
letter in question was compiled; and, although I am unable to 
give a copy verhatim^ literatim, et punctuatim, the following is 
sufficiently near it to answer all necessary purposes : — 



143 

"Rev. W. H. Bellows, ) 

Pres. U. S. Sanitary Common, y 

"Washington, D. C. ) 

" Dear Sir : You will doubtless be somewhat surprised on 
learning that I have resumed my connection with the Sani- 
tary Commission in this unexpected locality, and hold my ap- 
pointment from the Confederate authorities — avIio, for the 
purpose of ensuring and systematizing the delivery of clothing, 
subsistence, and hospital stores, so bountifully furnished by 
the U. S, Government, The Christain Aid Society of Phila- 
delphia, The Baltimore American Relief Fund, and your own 
most munificent and praiseworthy association, have selected 
five Federal officers, (myself being of the number,) to whom is 
assigned the pleasing duty; and, since the tenth of November, 
a majority of them have been continuously engaged in its per- 
formance. 

" On Belle Island, the principal depot of the Federal prison- 
ers, over six thousand (6,000) men have been inspected and 
furnished with articles of clothing — a large number receiving 
as many as six difterent garments each. In the city prisons 
and hospitals about four thousand (4,000) more have been 
similarly appareled, and twenty-eight hundred (2,800) outfits 
forwarded to Danville to meet the necessities of those con- 
fined there. The clothing distributed above, was mainly fur- 
nished by the Government and your Commission ; and com- 
prised shoes, socks, drawers, pants, coats, shirts, great coats, 
or blankets and caps. 

" The subsistence received from our Government was not 
confided to our charge, nor have we any direct control of the 
hospital stores from the different charitable societies; although 
Ave have ample opportunities of seeing large quantities dis- 
tributed at the various hospitals. A strict account, how^ever, 
as we are informed, is being kept by the officials in charge for 
the purpose of showing its disposition. 

" On Sunday last, a portion of the Board visited the hospitals 
for the purpose of obtaining personal knowledge of their con- 
dition and requirements, and decide how much of the very 
liberal donation (two thousand dollars U. S. currency) placed 
at our disposal by Brig.-Gen. James S. Wadsworth, should be 
invested for the sick and wounded. Whilst engaged in this 
scrutiny I had an opportunity of inspecting the books kept 
at the principal hospital (in which are included the statistics 
of all the others, known as prison hospitals,) and made the fol- 
lowing memoranda, which I send you for the purpose of cor- 
recting the exaggerations so prevalent at this moment through- 



144 

out the North, commencing", as you will observe, with the 
month of June, and ending with the past month of November. 
As accessory to the condensed statement, Dr. Wilkins, the 
Surgeon-in-Chief, keeps a detailed account of every death — 
embracing the name, age, profession, rank, company, regiment, 
place of residence, date, and cause of mortality that has oc- 
curred since he assumed charge. 



1863. 



Month. 


No. of Deaths. 


Ar. No. treated daily. 


June, 


2 


55 


July, 


13 


85 


August, 


6 


100 


September, 


24 


105 


October, 


115 


500 


November, 


346 


1050 



Total, 506 

" This does not include Belle Isle, where, as I learn from 
unofficial sources, the average number of deaths for some 
time past ranges from twelve to fifteen, more frequently the 
lesser number; on one occasion the number reached thirteen, 
but at no time has it exceeded these figures. The number of 
graves amount by actual count to seventy-eight. The num- 
ber of prisoners confined here since the first of August, has 
averaged from four thousand to sixty-seven hundred, the latter 
being the present count. 

" Of the officer in charge of the Island, Lieut. V. Bossieux, 
I cannot speak too highly. His humanity, his kindness of 
heart and untiring efforts to secure the comfort and well- 
being of those placed in his keeping, entitle him to our high- 
est respect and thanks. 

" It is perhaps unfortunate that there is no regular hospital 
on the Island for the treatment of the several cases, especially 
as a rise in the river renders it almost impossible to convey 
them at the short notice (sometimes required) to the regular 
hospital intended for them in the city. This deficiency can- 
not but conduce in certain cases to fatal results, although I 
am not prepared to refer to any such at present.* 

" It is a source of deep regret, that the unnecessary and ex- 
aggerated accounts so widely disseminated by the Chaplains 
and Surgeons, who, with zealous haste abandoned us, sick and 
in prison to our sins and sorrows, have been permitted to re- 

* This deficiency was remedied within forty-eight hours after my letter was 
written. 



145 

main so long uncontradicted. To them we owe entirely tli& 
late order prohibiting the further receipt of clothing and 
subsistence ; and whilst we may in charity accord to them the 
merit of striving to benefit us, the result evinces the truth of 
the well known expression, 

•' Save us from our friends." 

The misstatement as to the disposition of the clothing and 
subsistence being officially corrected, it is to be hoped, the 
amende honorable being made, that a like liberal reversal of 
orders may ensue. 

" Prison life, at best, is not desirable, nor can men deprived 
of liberty, think amiably of their keepers. That many of us 
are suffering deeply and grievously cannot be denied, but that 
Ave as a body are suffering more deeply or more grievousl}^ than 
any brave or patriotic man or officer should be prepared to 
do for his cause or his country, I will not for an instant allow. 

" In common with my fellow-prisoners I am most anxious to 
return to the comforts of home and those I love, but I disdain 
being deemed a mart}^- for the sufferings undergone in Libby 
or claim that my Government should recede one inch from a 
well taken position for any such considerations ; and although 
I do not speak for any other than myself, I know of many gen- 
tlemen who thoroughly coincide with me. Believing that the 
information I give you will justify the length of my communi- 
cation I make no apology for it but subscribe myself,. 
Very respectfully 

Your obed't serv't. 

J. M. SANDERSON, 
Lt.-CoL A. D. C. & C. S.. 

How anything in that letter can be construed into an act 
mission of " the full delivery of the clothing and supplies," 
I cannot understand; nor do I concede that by " specially men- 
tioning Lt. Bossieux, Commanding the Belle Isle," I was at all 
endorsing the conduct of any other official. 

That we delivered twelve thousand eight hundred suits of 
clothing admits of no denial ; but was that all that was sent 
from the North? And, in reference to the subsistence, I can 
only repeat the words of my letter, that " although we had 
ample opportunities of seeing large quantities distributed at 
the various hospitals," we also had good reason to believe that 
equally large quantities were distributed elsewhere^ 



146 

As regards the discrepancy as to the number of deaths on 
Belle Island, between the committee's report and my notes, I 
confess that I am at a loss to reconcile or UTiderstand it. It 
may arise from a clerical error, but if there were seventy-eight 
graves of persons who had died during the space of six 
months, the commonest acquaintance with arithmetic might 
have taught these astute gentlemen that there was a mistake 
somewhere. But coupled as it is with so many other misstate- 
ments, I am compelled perforce to ascribe it simply and solely 
to their inability or unwillingness to speak the truth. 
- As a matter of history it may be proper to state that my 
first letter, in which this subject of the number of deaths was 
much more unfavorably treated, was stopped by the Confed- 
■erate authorities, who required me to show whence I drew 
my information that " from two to five were dying daily on 
Belle Island." On learning that it was based entirely on the 
statements of the men on the Island, I was shown the official 
returns made by Lieut. Bossieux to his commanding officer ; 
.but as the disparity was so great, I refused to receive it as 
authentic, and for several days held my letter in abeyance, 
"undesided whether to forward it secretly or suppress it alto- 
gether. At length, it occurred to me that a visit to the grave- 
yard itself might settle definitively the mooted point, and on 
mentioning the idea to Major Turner, he immediately gave 
orders to have my companion and myself taken thither. Hav- 
ing satisfied myself by inquiry and examination that each 
-:grave contained but a single corpse, I was obliged to modify 
^y statement in accordance with the evidence thus presented 
-jgae, and thus corrected again sent forward my letter for trans- 
^inission. After examining it ; I was requested by the authori- 
ties to retain it for a single day, and then make such modifica- 
'.tions as circumstances would justify. On my succeeding visit 
to the Island, I was carried by Lieut. Bossieux, to inspect the 
•^ew hospital accomodations then in process of erection, and 
introduced to the Surgeon that day assigned to duty. Of 
;<!!0urse, the desired correction was made, and my letter finally 
riprwarded to its destination. Why it was not published is for 
others to explain ; what I had written was stated in good 



147 

faith, and based on what I deemed proper and conclusive evi- 
dence. My objects were to correct error, assuage needless 
grief, obtain some mitigation of severe and unnecessary re- 
striction, and show to the enemy that some of us at least, were 
not afraid to speak or to hear the truth ; and although I was 
foiled in my intentions, I feel now, as then, that they were 
praiseworthy and beneficial. 



To 2VEAL X)0\^, 

Ex-Brig. -Gen. of Volunteers, and Philanthrophist, out of place. 

" Hath vice a 
Charter got, that none must rise, but such, who 
Of the devil's faction are ? The way to 
Honor is not evermore the way to 
Hell ; a virtuous man may climb." 

Sir: 

That you should have thrown the whole weight of your 
great ire upon so quiet a person as myself, not only excites 
my wonder, but provokes the astonishment of those to whom 
you are best known. An humble. individual, I cannot but be 
flattered at the intense interest exhibited in my " sayings and 
doings," which, to all but yourself, I fear, must have appeared 
"flat, stale and unprofitable." But says the poet, 

" Theyoft'times ta'ce more pains 
Who look for pin;?, than those who find out stais." 

and doubtless the man who impales the gnat conceives him- 
self as profitably employed as he who hunts the elephant; that 
a Brigadier-General of so distinguished a name, however, 
should have busied himself with my affairs, to the exclusion 
of other and graver duties, is both inexplicable and flattering. 
Your o'reat merits as a would-be reformer were not unknown 



us 

to me, for among my earliest business recollections is engrafted 
the name of Neal Dow, and the " Maine Liquor Law ;" and 
although a thousand miles intervened between us, and our 
specialties were antagonistic, I did not withhold a limited 
admiration for one whose efforts I supposed to be earnest and 
sincere. Temperate myself, I could pleasurably partake of 
" the goods the Gods give us " without excess and without 
alloy : but unfortunately there are those among us who are 
not so happily constituted, and to reform these I hoped your 
labors would be efficacious. Your law being sumptuary, and 
therefore open to censure, was nevertheless philanthropic 
and aimed ostensibly at the public good. It was tried, and 
failed, but you achieved your end by riding into public 
notoriety, although on a weak-kneed-hobby. When this ac- 
cursed rebellion broke out, as a prominent politician of the 
dominant party, you were an early applicant for high military 
honors. A soldier neither by constitution or training, you 
mistook your calling, and no friend loved you enough to cor- 
rect your error. As Colonel of a regiment, you might have 
been profitably employed in civic duties, without displaying 
too much, your ignorance ; but fascinated by the glare of 
command, you sought and obtained, undeservedly higher 
rank. 

" It is an unfortunate thing for fools, that their pretenBions should rise in 
an inverse ratio with tbcir abilities, and their presumption with their weak- 
ness." 

You did not belie the sentiment. It is perhaps, not 
becoming in me to dwell too minutely on your actions 'ere we 
met ; but I may mention, as a matter of history, that your 
eagerness to get in to the only fight in which you were ever 
engaged, Avas barely excelled by your haste to get out of it : 
and it has been suggested that having forgotten something, 
your ardor in its recovery carried you so far to the rear that 
the enemy found you quite out of your own lines, like 

" Vavilting ambition, which o'erleaps itself 
And falls on the other side." 

Thrown, during my military life, into constant association 



149 

with such men as Wadsworth, Reynolds, Meade, and others, 
(then but Brigadier-Generals,) my standard of that rank was 
high ; and, I confess, I was quite unprepared for the speci- 
men for the first time presented me in prison. Shortly after 
my arrival in Libby, whilst watching with curious eye scenes 
so novel and characters so queer, my attention was drawn to 
a little man, armed with a huge hammer, who, ever and anon 
sinking from view, belabored the floor with heavy blows. 
Amused at the extreme seriousness infused into this appar- 
ently aimless operation, I at length inquired of a bystander 
what that little man was doing. 

"Driving nails," was the curt reply. 

'' He 's a carpenter, then ?" 

" No, Sir ; he 's a Brigadier-General. That 's Neal Dow." 

All efforts on the part of the Confederates having for their 
object your exchange for a certain number of pianos, (al- 
leged to have been " appropriated to your own use,") coming 
to naught, you were sent to Mobile, as we were informed, 
for trial. There you remained for more than four months ; 
returning to us, as I remember, in the last week of October, 
with " a light heart and a thin pair of breeches." 

As has been stated already in my defence, some flunkey 
(Atwood, I believe,) suggested your being taken into our mess, 
as being the best in the prison, and therefore most suitable 
for a Brigadier-General ; but, not being able to see it in that 
light, I decidedly objected. That you were made acquainted 
with my reasons for this refusal — that you were neither an 
officer nor a gentleman, — any one cognizant of Atwood's pro- 
pensities cannot for an instant doubt. That you should be 
angry, and desire to hold no further intercourse with me is 
neither to be wondered at nor criticised. Tiuo people were 
pleased. Necessity subsequently compelled me to apply to 
you for what I was perfectly entitled to. Your conduct on 
each occasion was short and discourteous. Undeterred by 
your ungentlemanly manner, I persisted until successful. I 
owe you no thanks, as I asked no favor ; and no one admires 
a mule simply for his bray. 

Selected by your own Government as the most proper per 



150 

son (because the ranking officer) to distribute its generous^^ 
bounty to its suffering soldiers, you were taken to Belle Isle, 
by the Confederates, with something, for them, of deference 
and respect. An ambulance, as I heard, was provided, and 
you were permitted to address the men without restraint. 
The incident, as related to me, was characteristic. Mounting 
the highest point on the parapet, you asked attention, and 
thus delivered yourself : — 

"Comrades and Felloiu-soldiers / I have come here at the 
request of your Government and my own to inquire into your 
grievances, and redress 3^our wrongs. I have a large amount 
of food and clothing sent me by our good rulers at home for 
distribution among you all. There is, I believe, an ample sup- 
ply, with the expectation of more coming ; and I want all of 
you who are naked or hungry, to come to me. Come one, 
come all !" 

^Ind they came ! Five thousand half naked and half starved 
sufferers, with piles of well-filled boxes almost within their 
grasp, needed no second invitation. Pouring forth from tents, 
and holes, and burrows, they pressed on every side. Surging 
and swaying like waves of the sea, they trampled and crushed 
each other, whilst striving to reach the narrow exit, until the 
Aveaker dropped from exhaustion, or were borne unresistingly 
along ; you, in the meanwhile, wringing your hands like a 
frightened child at this tempest of your own raising. Fortu- 
nately, the Commandant of the Island, Lt. Bossieux, in spite 
of his fear that this living flood would carry away all obstruc- 
tions, succeeded in driving back the out-cropping crowd, 
without injury to a man. After this evidence of your forensic 
powers, any further exhibition thereof Avas pretermitted. 
" Of these matters I am not personally cognizant, but think 
they can be substantiated " by better testimony than that ad- 
duced by you to my desired ruin." At all events, the incident 
is so semblable that we may say with the Italians — 

'• Si non e vero, eben Irovato." 
Impressed by the sufferings of the unfortunate on that 



151 

prison Isle, you very properly sought to obtain some ameliora-^ 
tion of its horrors. To effect this, you addressed a protest to 
Gen. Winder, which (as you yourself have stated) was 
couched in strong and earnest language — so strong and so 
earne3t that it gained /or you, at least, relief. Taking into 
consideration the fact that thousands of your fellow-creatures- 
were most deeply interested in the success of your efforts, it 
may be regarded by the thoughtless and uninitiated as being, 
unfortunate that your Roman firmness and Spartan stoicism 
would not permit you to unbend at this momentous instant ; 
but, with the keen instincts of a shrewd politician, you felt 
that it would have ruined you in the eyes of your blatant as- 
sociates, had you yielded an iota of derision and scorn, of 
crimination and defiance to the common foe ; and, in order to 
enjoy the political honors of supposed martyrdom at home, 
you gained for your comrades the physical endurance of real 
martyrdom there. With this hope you had your say ; and, as 
a consequence, you were relieved, but the real sufferers were 
not. At least, such is your claim ; but, unfortunately, even 
this thin lamina of plated patriotism is abraded, and the 
pinchbeck basis begins to appear. One of your own witnesses, 
the Rebel Lieutenant who is charged with having remon- 
strated with me for my cruelty, suddenly appears on the 
scene and swears that you were relieved at his request, be- 
cause your "manner of doing business was so unsystematic 
and loose" that he was forced to ask for others to be appointed 
in your place. This same witness also swears that the '' men 
who had left friends, business, and comfortable homes to help' 
save their country from being blotted out of the map of na- 
tions, — many of them educated gentlemen," — absohitely cursed 
you ! and that, in your anger, you characterised them as " the 
rakings and scrapings of Europe." Then it was your ox that 
was gored ; but, like a Christian, you forgave them when they 
cursed me. At his request, then, 3^ou were superseded by 
your juniors in rank, but your seniors in judgment; and, finally, 
the man you most hated became your successor — reaping 
laurels which you had sown, and gathering honors where yoit 
had planted. From this moment your rage against me cul- 



152 

mlnated, and from that era I was doomed to have greatness 
thrust upon me. 

" The power to give creates us all our foes." 

■ But ignoring the many evils thus warded from your head, 
you ungratefully exaggerate my shortcomings, and heighten 
my pernicious doings ; whilst I, poor soul, unconscious that a 
'Brigadier-General was chronicling my life, or 

" A chiel amang us, takin notes," 

pursued the even tenor of my way, without heeding my 
biographer, or even "throwing a sop to Cerberus." 
. The status of a military spy, though his function be neces-. 
sary, has never been deemed honorable. The risks they run, 
and the dangers they encounter, though worthy of the bravest, 
fail to impress the thinking public with the slightest sympa- 
thy with their fate, or respect for their name. The genius of 
a Cooper is insufficient to rescue from partial infamy the 
memory of one of the best of his class ; and even the virtues 
of an Andr6 could not ennoble his specious calling. For 
'the social spy, there is not even the poor apology so grudg- 
ingly granted his military prototype. In public life, the 
meanest position is that of a detective ; and who among the 
honorable, young or old, does not despise the " tell-tale" or the 
"informer"? In the army we have the Inspector, whose 
duties though prying, are nevertheless open and legitimate, 
necessary and improving. The self-constitnted Censorship 
instituted by you in Libby possesses none of these advanta- 
ges. Simply, covert and tortuous, punishment and revenge 
M''ere its only objects. 

'"It is a note 
Of upstart greatness to observe and watch 
For those poor trifles, which the noble mind 
Neglects and scorns." 

Your ardent imagination, however, went further ; for where 
the hoped for fault came tardily to light, you played the part 



15a 

of midwife, and assisted in the delivery. In my case, if fame 
belies you not, you tried to impregnate me, unconscious, 
•yitb crime, and then attempted the " Cesarean operation," 
but lacking obstetrical skill, you only produced an abortion. 
Your unfortunate victim is now " doing as well as could be 
expected," whilst you are poisoned by your own virus. 

" The man recovered from the bite 
the dog it was that died!" 

Your career in the army has been one of the mysteries of 
the war. Why you went into it, no one could tell ; how you 
got out of it, no one would say. Let me try my hand in 
guessing at both. Indebted for whatever of reputation you 
may have possessed, to a wrong-headed and impracticable 
idea, you were foisted on the army and the people as the prop- 
erest champion to encounter King Cotton, because, forsooth, 
you had once a tussel with King Alcohol ; but finding cdd 
iron more uncongenial than cold ivater, you turned your atten- 
tion to the Harmonies, making up in the Piano what you 
lacked in the Forte. Thrown, necessarily, into association 
with military men, you soon discovered that deeds, not words, 
were the current coin among soldiers ; and finding you could 
not emulate their virtues, sought to surpass their vices. 
Your tongue was sharpened, not your sword. Confusing the 
democratic creed with the Revised Regulations, you firmly 
believed all men "^vere born free and equal, but, as Brigadier- 
General, you were entitled to most of the spoils. Ever a 
politician, you only regarded man as a voter, and carried into 
camp the traditions of the hustings. Never having " set a 
squadron in the field " — without the knowledge or the ability to 
command — accustomed only to the strategy of the polls — alike 
incapable of compelling respect, or exciting admiration, you 
stood confessedly, a pigmy among giants, a lamentable picture 
of political preferment. PoM^erless to gain honors, you sought 
to gain wealth ; and in an incredible short period acquired a 
notoriety for practising 

" The good old plan, 
To keep all you get, and get all you can," 



154 

equalled by none since the days of the Gaelic chief. Many 
generations will pass away before the name of Neal Dow is. 
buried in oblivion, for 

" The evil that men do lives after them ; 
The good is oft interred with their bones." 

I much doubt, however, that your coffin will be crowded with 
the virtues. At length, derelict in your duty, and whilst ex- 
hibiting a bad example, you Avere taken by an enraged and 
plundered foe and carried to prison. Here you exhibited an- 
other phase. Undignified, petty and selfish, — resembling in 
person and dress an old woman, and in disposition and tem- 
per a malicious bo}^, you threw aside the dignity of the officer 
in discarding the uniform, and in assuming the character of 
a commissioned " tell tale," strove to wring from the fears of 
your comrades, that consideration and respect they could not 
accord to your position or person. On reaching your own 
lines, you endeavored by specious tales and gross misrepresen- 
tations, to excite commiseration for unexperienced wrongs, 
and in order to exalt your own patriotism decried that of 
others. 

Fatigued at length with your flatulence, and alarmed at the 
accumulating evidence of your malfeasance, the Government 
looked coldly upon you, and an unofficial intimation that your 
resignation would be accepted, secured the coveted document ; 
although two weeks had hardly elapsed since you publicly 
stated your determination to rejoin your command, and fight 
it out to the bitter end. 

Such, in brief, is your record. To elaborate it demands an 
abler pen. You are now, fortunately for the cause, out of the 
service. The last of a long list of incapables, whatever of 
shame or dishonor entails upon our section, owes its origin to 
such as you. War among a pacific people, in its inchoate 
state, is always subject to such evils, and such pretenders. 

" In civil broils, the worst of men may rise." 

Unfortunately, however, not only humanity, but morality, is 



155 

scandalized by such men, who, as a witty writer once said, 
" pray one day on their knees and six days on their neighbors.'^ 

A few days ago the pleasure-seeking portion of our resi- 
dents were electrified by the announcement that Heller, the 
prince of tricksters, would in full sight of the audience, cause 
a human being to become invisible. Placing his subject in a 
deep recess, directly against a white surface, he suddenly 
threw the bright rays of a concealed light between it and the 
audience, from whose view it immediately disappeared. A few 
moments after, the Gyges, as it is termed, advanced a pace or 
two, directly into the rays of the hght, and became not only 
visible but transparent, for immediately behind him, and seem- 
ingly through him, was seen a fantastic figure reminding one 
of the traditionary enemy of mankind — the Devil. So with 
pseudo-philanthropy, as viewed by the admiring world the 
grosser particles are hidden by the bright beams evolved by 
Charity and Humanity, but a nearer approach proves them to 
be very transparent, disclosing other and more ignoble senti- 
ments behind them. In your case is presented the spectacle 
of one, once honored and respected, struggling to gain mere- 
tricious applause by super-erogant censure of your fellows, 
and when subjected to the same analytical test, proving but 
base alloy. 

It is not uncommon, however, to find men specially virtuous 
on one point, remarkably vicious on all others ; or, as is more 
elegantly expressed by the poet, 

" Compound for sins they are inclined to, 
By damning those they have no mind to 5" 

In years gone by the City of Philadelphia rejoiced in a 
physician whose proficiency was almost equalled by his pro- 
fanity. Visiting one day in the family of a noted Quaker, a 
violent storm arose just as he w^as leaving. Turning to his 
patient, who was ranked as one of the shrewdest of his de^ 
nomination, he requested the loan of his great coat. 

"On one condition only, Doctor," was the reply* 

" Name it." 



156 

*' Tliee must promise me not to use profane language while 
thee wears it, for it is a garment formed of good habits." 

" Very well/' responded the Doctor, " I'll promise." On the 
following day as he returned the coat, the disciple of Penn close- 
ly questioned him as to the performance of the stipulation. 

" Thou'rt sure thee did not swear, while wearing it, Doc- 
tor ?" 

" Oh no !" retorted the medico, " I hadn't the slightest de- 
sire to swear, but tlie d — est inclination to lie and steal !" 

Substitute " drinking " for " swearing " and the coat might 
prove as good a fit as " the Captains " did of yore. 

It was a barefaced, but most approved, plan to cry " stop 
thief" to me, at the very moment you were enjoying your 
own ill-gotten spoils. But robbery, like murder, will some- 
times out, when least expected. You opened your mouth, in 
Portland, and performed that extraordinary acrobatic feat of 
*' putting your foot in it," recalling to mind your query, " did 
ever a man drink without making a beast of himself?" and 
my answer, " did ever you talk without making an ass of vour- 
self?" 

When you told " that little story " about the two heavy 
trunks, you didn't, then, " see the nub of the joke." The laugh 
comes in now, but I hardly think you will enjoy it. And, by 
the way, that story was unfinished. Let me supply the sequel. 
-As you were saying, you brought away from Libby Prison 
" two large heavy trunks " for which the rebels refused you 
transportation, forcing you to call upon your brother ofiicers 
to assist you, a contingency already forseen weeks previous, 
according to Adj't Knaggs ; and subjecting you to be snubbed 
by a junior officer, according to Col. Farnsworth, On reach- 
ing the Federal flag of truce boat, you met Brig. -Gen. Lee, for 
whom you were exchanged, although it was generally sup- 
posed that Miss Belle Boyd had been made your equivalent. 
This officer, just fresh from " God's Country" leaving his com- 
rades well-fed and well cared for, with every opportunity for 
supplying himself with those comforts of which his own sec- 
tion was reputed so bare, contented himself with a small valise, 
the weight of which caused but -little inconvenience to the 



157 

bearer ; whilst you, direct from a prison replete with horrors^ 
parting with a thousand comrades whose sufferings gripe your 
sympathetic heart in the recital, " half-naked and half-starved," 
coming to a land overflow^ing with milk and honey, where 
everything you brought was plenty and cheap, carried with 
you two large heavy trunks, filled with articles for which your 
fellow-prisoners were suffering, 07ie half, at least, of which ivere 
not your otvn ! How does the contrast strike you ? When 
about to leave the Federal Steamer, this "man of war" quietly 
seized his small valise, was on the point of carrying it him- 
self to the other boat, when the gallant and accomplished 
Mulford, who is brave enough to be courteous even to an 
enemy, ordered the Sergeant to relieve him of the burden 5 
then what dids't thou, thou " man of water ?" 

" Put that valise down, Sergeant," these were your words 
as repeated to me ; " /forbid you to touch it! When 1 left 
Richmond, the Confederates would give me no assistance, and 
you shall give him none !" 

"Sergeant!" calmly replied the unmoved Colonel; "You 
will do as I bid you ! Gen. Dow, I have nothing whatever tg 
do with your treatment by the Confederates : I simply know 
Avhat devolves upon me, and I shall do it, regardless of your 
wishes or the conduct of others. If they forget what is due 
to an officer, / do not." ^ 

For the truth of this I do not vouch, not being present ; in 
fact I was as far distant, at that moment, from the point in 
question as you were when you learned that I had betrayed 
you to the Rebels ; but, as I have before remarked, in Italian, 
" if it be not true, it is well-founded," 

But, speaking of Italians, let me bring to your notice a 
single item in the vast aggregate of your charges against me. 
" Col. di Cesnola, of the 4th N, Y. Cavalry (an officer of the 
Sardinian army) saw, heard, and knew much of Col. Sanderson, 
and for the last two or three months held no communication, 
whatever with him— so certain was his conviction of his infi' 
delity to the country. He will gladly furnish any information 
in his possession, as he believes the good of the service rC' 
quires Col. Sanderson's dismissal from it," Col. Cesnola, on 



158 

being called upon to furnish this information, briefly replies : 
I have never made such an assertion, nor have I authorized 
any officer to make it in my name. To accuse a man of being 
a traitor or disloyal to his country requires a great deal of evi- 
dence to show it ; and I am happy to say that I have not seen 
any evidence which would justify me in calling Col. Sander- 
son by such a name." 

'Twas shrewdly conceived, and came near to be successful, 
counting on my proud spirit and disinclination to parley with 
a foe, and laying some stress perhaps on the revengeful char- 
acter of his nation, you felt safe in putting such words into 
Cesnola's mouth, knowing the ill-feeling existing between us ; 
but you forgot he was a soldier and a gentleman. Satisfied 
in my own mind that, however inimical he might feel towards 
me personally, he was of approved courage : and, as 

'' None but cowards lie,'' 

I did not hesitate an instant, but addressed him the very Jirst 
letter I indited after learning the charges against me. This, 
unfortunately, miscarried. Two months after, I sent him an- 
other; but this, under a mistaken impression of the power of 
the Commission, he declined to answer in writing, preferring 
to testify in person. Convinced, nevertheless, that you had 
misrepresented him, I then called oa him ; and, after fully 
stating the character of the Court, and the injurious effect of 
your statement in thus misquoting hira, he unhesitatingly gave 
the desired reply — distinctly fastening upon you 

"An odious, damned lie ; 
Upon my sovil, a lie — a wicked lie!" 

Before dismissing you, as I trust, forever, I must relate an 
incident so apposite in its character as to excuse its introduc- 
tion. 

Sauntering through the town some days ago, my attention 
was attracted to a water tank, exposed at the door of a dealer 
in such commodities. Amused by the gambols of the deni- 
zens of this watery world, I stopped to scan them. The 



159 

keeper of the shop — an ancient and a hoar}' man, redolent of 
tar, and a " most fish-like smell," scenting in me a probable 
customer, emerged from his lair to chaunt his wares. Primei 
in order he praised the Carp — that popinjay of fishes, with its 
rich golden scarlet, and varied bands of pearly pink, forming 
the semblance of a button, bringing vividly to my mind your 
" get up" in prison ; when, arrayed in all your glory, you ex- 
hibited yourself to the wondering gaze of verdant "Johnnies," 
who, fresh from the backwoods, were undecided whether to 
regard you as a Turkish Bey or a scare-crow. As this thought 
came into my head, I smiled ; whereat my piscatory Mentor, 
finding me inclined to be merry, narrated many wonderful 
traits of the finny tribe. Of one that, though quick, comely, 
and interesting, he was nevertheless a disagreeable inmate of 
an aquarium — being exceedingly quarrelsome, and having a 
bad habit of attacking the eyes of its comrades, in order to 
blind them to its own peculiarities : this was the Sucker. Of 
another, that throve as well in hot as in cold water. Of a 
third, that he pilfered the Whelk-shell of his covering ; whilst 
a fourth, in turn, deprived him of his prey. 
Oh, fish, fish ! how art thou fleshified !' ' 

But what particularly claimed m}- attention was a species of 
watery mushroom, which belonged, as I was informed, to the 
family of " Anemones " and rejoiced in the name of Actinia 
Carneola, which, being indigenous to the State of Maine, you 
may possibly know. Its peculiarities also may properly com- 
mend it to your notice. With its " tentackles," as my inform- 
ant termed them, which are outspreading and grasping, it 
seizes everything that comes in its way, and is noted as being 
the biggest thief in the tank. 

"By the Avay Cap tin," said this hoary Fishmonger, "it 
always reminds me of a little story, and as it only takes a 
minute, I'll tell it to you. In days gone by when abolitioners 
were not so plenty as at present, a few earnest seekers after 
truth having by great good luck, secured an old sea dog fresh 
from the coast of Africa, plied him with questions as to the 
manners, habits and customs of the native, in his free and un- 



160 

converted state, until they had exhausted as they supposed 
every subject under the sun. As they were about to leave 
him, however, one of them bethought himself of their religious 
state, and earnestly asked of the well-purnped sailor ; ' Cap- 
tain, do the negroes in Dahomey keep Sunday ?' " 

" Keep Sunday !" replied the astonished son of Neptune— 
" Yes, and every other darned thing they can lay their hands on /" 

I greatly marveled, as I wended my way, if yoii had ever 
visited Dahomey. 

And now, farewell. For the good you have unintentionally 
done me, I thank you; that you have failed is no fault of 
yours. You did your best, and if you lacked success it was 
simply because 

" Slander meets no regard from noble minds, 
Only the base believe, what the base only utter." 

With these, at least, you are not without credit, and from them 
you cannot fail to obtain your meed of praise for the malice 
with which you have pursued me ; for the persistence you 
have manifested in seeking my dishonor ; for the industry you 
have exhibited in gathering my " sayings and doings ;" for the 
pertinacity you have displayed in planting your calumnies ; 
and especially for the total disregard for truth, honor and jus-, 
tice which has marked your whole conduct in this affair. To 
such sympathizers I cheerfully commend you, assuring you 
that from myself you shall ever have my heartiest contempt, 
and my sincerest prayers for your speedy return to the paths 
of virtue and honesty. 

Yours, (fee, &c., 

JAMES M. SANDERSON. 



APPENDIX 



Annexed will be found sncli evidence as has not already been quoted by llie 
Commi-sioii, but which is added to substantiate certain points in n-.y defence, 
prime nnionrr them my charges against Streiujht for iingentlemanly and cowardly 
conduct, and against Dow for knavery and sneaking. As these persons were 
not (in trial before the Commission, the members thereof, very properly, did not 
deem themselves called upon to pass on the testimony affecting iheir charncter 
fiirlher than a mere notice of my principal accuser. But as I now art ign hira. 
before the great bar of Public Opinion, I add the proofs on which I base my 
charges. 



A LETTER lkom Brig. Gen. A. E. SHIRAS, 

Office Gmim'y Gen I o 
'Washington City, March i, 18()5 



Office Comm'y Gen'l of Subsistence, } 



James M. Sanderson, 

Late Li. Col. & C. S. V.— 
Sir : In reply to yours of (he 7th inst^. I would respectfully state that I first 
knew you in the early part of the Rebellion, and that you were then engaged, 
in connection with the Sanitary Commission, in teaching and instructing the Vol- 
unteer troops in cooking their rations. 

Your status as an Issuing and Disbursing officer, whilst in this Department, 
was excellent. 

Whilst Ciiief C. S. of the First Corps, I never heard of any fault found with 
you in the execution of your duties. 

Your accounts with this office are closed, and I am not aware of any indebt- 
edness to this Department for property or funds. 

My knowledge is not positive, but I am under the impression that whilst 
serving with the Sanitary Commission, you did it gratuitously. 
I am, very respectfully, 

Your obed't serv't, 

A. E. SHIRAS, 

Bi.Jirig. Gm'lA. G G. S. 



n 

FROM BitiG. Gen. WM. POWELL. 
[Commanding 2d Cavalry Div.. Bept. of West. Virginia.'] 

SiE : During the monlb of October, 1863, I recollect distinctly of your visit- 
ing tbe bospitiil, and of your remaining but a day or so. While there, in con- 
versation with me, you called my attention to the fact of a secret oiganizalion 
among tbe officers in Libby Prison, looking towards an attempt to esccipe. I 
cautioned you at the time, as to whom you mentioned the matter. I aftei wards 
learned that you spoke of it to the Ward Master, who was a citizen prisoner 
from Iowa — his name I cannot now call to mind ; he, however, spoke of the 
matter to another citizen prisoner, a Mr. Vermillion from Iowa, who, I have no 
doubt, did communicate the matter, in reference to the existence of a secret or- 
ganization, to the Rebel authorities. In this matter, after a personal examina- 
tion, I became well satisfied that you were innocent of any criminal intentions. 

As to your conduct towards your fellow officers in the prison, I do not recol- 
lect of yiiur having any trouble with any one, except Col. Strcight, 51st Iid'a 
Vols., which upon personal invrstigation, I found had been piovoked by Cul. 
Slreight. by au uiigentleinanly and unc ffieer-like tirade of almse upon yon, 
based entirely upon a misconstruction of your language iinbodied in a petition 
lo the C. S. of the prison in reference to the ration i.-sued to tlie officers in the 
prison. I was aware of thcf cct that Col. Streigbt had succeeded in prejudicing 
the minds of many of the officers against yoii^ and I muj^t confess that 1 had 
become so myself; but then, as noio, feeling it my duty to do justice to all men, 
I sugge.<led the propriety of allowing you an opportunity of an explanation upon 
the different charges alleged agiinst you. Accordingly I was chosen as the 
proper pcrifon to demand of you an explanalion, as to what seemed (o the offi- 
cers to bk- your conduct on several occasions, and upon different subjects. 

The explanations made by you to me, and afterwards presented by inc to the 
officers in uiy Department, gave very general salisCaction, and did much tore- 
move the prejudice against you. 



FROM BniG. Gex. J. S. WADSWORTIL 
A DEFENCE OF LT. COL. SAXDEIJiOX. 

To the Editor of the New-York Tribune — 

Sir. : My attention has just been called to a letter from your Annapolis cor- 
respondent, stating that, from the returned prisoners of War " fresh evidence 
was ol)tained of Lt. Col. Sandki;sox's perfidy.'' 

It is evident, from all the accounts we get, that a ))ilter feud existed in Libby 
Prison. If your correspondent had st ited this, and that some of the cflicers in- 
tended to prefer charges against Lt Col. Saxdi;k.sox, no one would have objected 
to it ; but, when he states that ^-evidence' was procured, he speaks of what he 
could not have had, and what no one can have, short of an authorized investi- 
gation ; and, when you spread this statement before your fifty or one hundred 
thousand readers, you make, unconsciously, I am sure, a poor return to a gal- 



Ill 

fent officer for long and meritorious service in tb€ field and long suffering in 
iprison, from having volunteered in, dapgerous service, oat, in ^ the line of hia 
-duty. 

As it is understood that this, whole matter is to be investigated by military 
authority, it is only proper ibr me now to say that, from a long acquaintance 
with Col. SiNDEitsoN, and having served for nearly two years in the same Corps 
with him, I know of no ofiQcer who would, in my judgment, be less likely than 
he to commit the offence imputed to him ; and my astonishment will be equal to 
toy regret if a thorough investigation does not entirely exonerate him from any 
dishonorable conduct. 

Your obed't servant, 

JAMES S. WADS WORTH. 
Aphtl 5, 1864. 



FROM Dn. ELISHA HARRIS. 

{Member of llie Hoard U. S. Sanllary Commission.'] 

Fkbkcaky G, 18C5. 
Coi-OXEL : In replying to your inquiries rrgavding certain points connected 
with your public services since the war began, 1 beg leave to state very briefly — - 

1st. That my personal acquaintance wiih your purposes to serve the Nutitmal 
cause brgan early in the month of June, ISUl ; when you asked me and other 
pcisons what means could be employed to instruct, volunteer soldiers in the art 
of preparing food in camp. 

2d. About the 21st June, 18G1, 1 was requested by Meilical and other friends, 
who weie considering the pro.-pective wanis of the soklieis, to write to Gov. F. 
D, Mor<;an at Albany, and request that he would provide for the trmpoiary 
support of a certain number of cooks, who sliould under your direction, serve 
in camp with reglmenls of volunteers. The request was granted and a sum of 
money promised lor their jiayment. I recollect that it became my duty to ad- 
vise and aid you in commencing such work, and that I saw you faithfully en- 
gaged in the details of the duty ot preparing rations in tlie 33d N. Y. Vols., or 
some other regiment at Washington and its vicinity, during the months of June 
and Ju'y, 18G1. I think you met with much discouragement until jou finally 
achieved triumphant results in the 15th N; Y., a regiment of engineers. 

At that time, and ever since, I had no doubt that you were prompted by the 
highest patriotism and humanity to undertake that work. Indeed, in the ciiy of 
New-York, it was well-known that yuii were, from the attack ou Foit Sumpter,a 
bold and manly defender of our National c.iu.-e, and ready to serve. in the war 
in any way you could be most uselu'. I believe you never received any money 
for tl;e seivice perfoimed lor thu benefit of the ainiy daring tl;e period of my 
liersonal knowledge of your labors, previous to your connection with the Coni- 
missaiy Departnient. . . 

3d. I know that you prepared and submitted to me a valuable manual of in- 
structions to soldiers in the preparaiion of tlieir rations, and thit it was s-ubse- 
queutly published by the Commissary Department. 



. IV 

4th. I sfiw you engaged in your official duties In the 22d]Vrass. Vols., and ad- 
mired the administration of your Department. 

5th. I cannot here forbear to state to you a touching incident in the last days 
of the patriotic General Wadsworth, that illustrates both the nobility of his na 
tnre and the unprejudiced and discerning cliaracier of his mind. On the Sih of 
last March he met me, and stated that he wished to send a small invoice 'of fiip- 
plies to his Bnys, (soldiers of his old Division — the 1st of the First Corp?,) who 
were prisoners in Richmond and elsewhere in the Confederate States. We 
walked together in the ro(im of the clerk of the Sanitary Commission, arid he- 
then le'ta check for $3,000, to be immediately expended in certain food sup- 
plies then spec'fied ; and, alter giving his simple directions as to how the pack 
ages siiould bo miiiked, etc.. he said '• I prefer that Lt Col. J. M. Sandkissox be 
the person to take the friendly oversight of these supplies when tliey reach 
Richmond." I then iisked him if the evil reports th;it Stieight and others had 
set afloat were to be regaided as having any jiistifuible foundation. The Gen- 
eral replied, with peciiliiir emphasis, •' No, not the least : I know Saxdehson well 
—he bears trouble and wunt with a peculiarly philosophical equanimity ; and 
his own cheerfulness and his attempts to make the burden of his fellow-prison- 
ers ligliter have been the causes of all the evil" reports we have received con- 
cerning him." This last generous deed of General Wad.sworlh, and the truthful 
inlerjiretation he put upon your temporary misfortune of being evil spoken of 
by certain fellow prisoners flashed upon my mind with peculiar interest, at the 
moment I met his corpse as it was borne forward from Fredericksburg to Wash- 
ington. Had he survived, your defence against slander would have been fully 
sustained by him. 

Finally, Colonel, I beg leave to say to you that I believe that no man that 
knows you as well as I do, can ever doubt your patriotism and your support 

of the present Administration. 

Truly, yours, 

E. HARRIS, M. D. 



FROM Coi„ H. F. CLARKE. 

Office of AssH Commissary GenH of Suhsisience; 
New-Y()1!K, February 8, 1865. 
J. M. Sanderson, 

Late Lt. Col. & Chief C. ^'. Ifirst Army Corps — 
Sir : It gives me great pleasure to be able to state that, while you were Chief 
Commissary of the First Army Corps and serving with the Army of the Poto- 
miic, from September, 18()2, to the time of your capture by the enemy in, I think, 
July, 1863, you discharged your duties faithfully, to the satisfaction of myself 
(then Chief Commissary, Army of the Potomac) and, I believe, to the satisfac- 
tion of your Corps Commander, and all others concerned. 

My recollection is. that Capt. Charles McClnre, who succeeded you as Chief 
C. S. First Army Corps reported that he foimd every thing connected with the 
Subsistence Department of that Corps in excellent condition. 

Very respectfully, &c., 

H. F. CLARKE, 

Col.A.D.C.d: A. G. &. 



FROM Col. L. P. DI CESN'OLA. 

[ith N. Y. Cavalry.] 

In regard (o the plan of escape : it was originated since long time. The de- 
tails of the plan were intrusted to me ; but, for want of unanimity of purpose 
it failed. Other plans, s\ibsequently, made it rather a blessing (in my opinion) 
that it was not carried out. as it would have been wholesale murder. 

Being simply a case of justice to you, and the pure truth, I very willingly 
make this statement. 



PROM Cor.. HEBER LE FAVOUR. 
[22cZ Michigan Infantry.^ 

Being the officer h'ghost in rank among the large number of officers brought 
from the Chickamanga field, I was assigned ti the command of the room in 
which they were all placed ; and, by virtue of my position, I was neces-arily 
and immediately brought into contact with Lt. Cul. Jamks M. Sanderson, who, 
at the time, was acting by common consent as director of the kitchen arrange- 
m'n's. I acted in my position until early in December, 1863 ; and, to that time, 
was daily and hourly brought into contact with him ; and I can freely say, that 
the interourse between us was such as should be between officers and gentle- 
men ; and that the general tenor of his conduct was perfectly gentlemanly, 
ju^t, and courteous ; and, to the la^t time I sawhim, (in March, 1864,) he so con- 
tinued. 

Duiag the month of November, I think it was that many of the officers dis- 
cussed different plans of escape ; and one w;is almost decided upon— which was 
either, to disarm tiie guard, by a general and su;l.len rush, or to relieve tliem by 
strataj;em by night, which being done, the enlisted men in buildings in the im- 
mediate vicinity and on Belle Island were to be relea-ied. and the whole party 
to make their way to our line*. A part of the plan was to obtain the co-opiM-a- 
tion of our Government. Whether the plan was disc!o-ed by some of the otK- 
ccrs, or the Rebel authorities obtiined a knowledge of it by moans of their spies 
or otherwise, I cannot say ; but the details of such a plan was published in the 
Richm')nd papers, and a,u extra number of inHmtry and artillery were, for but 
a day or two, to be seen in the vicinity of the Priscm. Soon, things went on as 
usual : the guards became le<s vigilant, and, during the month of Deci^raber, the 
plan could have been carried into effict as easily as at any previous time. It is 
my "p'n-on <hiit it mi-carried more fio'u the w:int of concert among the officers 
thrtn from any other causv'^. I know that many of the highest in r.uik opposed 
the scheme as wild and impractical)lo, in consequence of the difficulty in secur- 
ing the co operation of the Government at the proper time, the uncertainly of 
proviiling arms and ammunition for the men, the Jmpossibiiiiy of handling them 
as a unit for the one purpose, and the knowledge that there was a large number 
of troops stationed near Richmond. 

There was, I am sorry to state, in the large number of officers in conQnement, 
a great many .Ty;b,Q, bj their actions, should not be classed as an •' officer and a 



V7 

gentloram."' Many of this class were at enmity with Col. Saxdeiisox, for the- 
reason that be would not submit to llieir blackguardism ; a '* hue and cry" was- 
consequently raised against liim, and, on the ]3ih of Jann;iry, 1861, a procession* 
was formed and marched to the music of tin horns, etc. After proceeding 
through the Prison, they hulled in one of the rooms, and ppeeches were made 
against Col. Sanderso.n, during his absence from the Prison, and whilst he was 
distributing clothing to the enlisted men on Belle Isle. The meeting dissolved 
without any definite action ; indeed, it was generally acknowledged to have 
been a *• fizzle," and no further steps were taken in the matter. Placards were 
carried in the procession, which were of a burlesque character such as " Bread ' 
or Blood," etc. The whole arrangement was nothing more nor le-s than a farce.' 

I was not a prisoner at the time of the reinforcement of Gen. Bragg by Long- 
street, but I was told several times thereafter that he offered a reward of five 
hundred dollars to any one that would escape and inform our Government of 
the fact. I am knowing to the fact that he I'urnished ofBcers, that made their es- 
cape through the tunnel on the night of February 9, with money ; and, in con- 
versation with him previous to the completion of it, he stated to m.e that any one 
that would make the attempt to escape should have of such as he had as would. 
be of use to them. 

On the 7th March, 1864, I was exchanged with forty-seven other ofiScers, and 
amongst them was Col. Samjersox, and we were often together going to and on 
board ihe boat, at Annapolis and at Washington. lie brought nothing aw^y, 
with him in the shape of boxes, trunks, or large packages, having only a sa'chel, 
or haversack, and I should have considered it very strange and very unphil'aa- 
thropic had he or any one else brou<jht away a large quantity of clothing, books^ 
etc., that would have been conducive to the health of his fellow prisoners. 



FROM Col. THOMAS E. ROSE. 

[Cominanding 77th Femi'a Volunteers.'] 

AVas captured by the enemy at the battle of Chickamauga on the night of the 
18th Sept., 18(33. and was taken to Libby Prison, Va. 

While en route, I escaped at Woidon, N. C. but was recaptured. I arrived at 
Richmond some time in October. 

I was confined in Libby Prison until the 8th of February, 18o4, when I es- 
caped from the prison, and was recaptured on the 13th near Williamsburg, Va.. 
I was then taken back to Libby Prison, and remained there until the 1st of May,. 
1864, when I was exchanged. 

In Libby Prison I knew Lt. Col. James M. Sandeisson. He was gentlemanly 
and polite in his manners, and possessed the style of a well-bred man. 

I never knew him to be brutal or undignified, neither vulgar nor profane, 
nor guilty of any of the prevailing vices exhibited in the prison. 

I never heard that Col. Streight had concocted a plan for overpowering the 
guard, and of capturing or burning the city. 

I do not think that Col. Streight had stability of mini to concoct any such 



VII 

plan, nor do I believe lie had the courage to execute any plan that would have 
for its object the overpowering of the guard. 

I was present when he bribed the guard to let him out at Ihe dining room 
•window. I constructed with a rope I kept in my possession, the means by 
which Capt. Read and he reached the pavement. After I had fixed the rope 
they hesitated to go. I was angry, for I feared the guard would seize my rope, ' 
which was of great use to me in my tunneling operations. Capt. Read went' 
out first, and was talking to the guard on the pavement for a considerable time 
before Col. Streight could summon conrage to go. I charged him with coward- ■■ 
ice. He then scrambled out, and he and Capt. Read were quickly conducted to 
the cell. 

I do not call that an attempt to escape ; he made no attempt to escape. 

Col. Streight at this time knew nothing of the tunnel, although I had been 
working at it for more than a month. He had nothing to do with originating, 
phir.ning, or executing the tunnel by which the oDScers escaped on the 8th of 
Feb., 18C4. If he had, he could have been out of the prison long before I 
came there, as he had a thousand chances when I had one. 

I was the originator of that scheme, and the leader of it throughout. I was 
the first man to pass through the tunnel, and was recaptured about sixty miles 
from Richmond. 

There were fourteen men besides myself engagei in perfecting it. 

^lajor McDanald borrowed money irom Lt. Col. Sandekson, by which he and 
Col. Streight effected tiieir escape from Richmond. 

The^e officers would not have entrusted Lt. Col. Saxdekson with the secret if 
they suspected him of treachery. 



FROiM CoL. CHARLES W. TILDEN. 

[Commandlnr/ IQth Maine.l 

I hereby state, on honor, that my name is Charles W. Tildeh, my rank Colonel 
commanding IGth Regt. Maine Vols. I was captured at the battle of Gettys- 
burg, on the 1st of July, 1SC3, carried to Richmond, and confined in Libby Pris- 
on. I was in command of the Department known as the '• Eastern." 

Lt C0I..T. M. SvNDKu.so.v. Chief Comniissa>y of the Jst Corps, Avho arrived at 
Libby Prison on the 20th July, was assigned by the Rebel authorities to my 
dep't. Until the 1st January, 18(54, he was in my n.ess ; the other members be- 
ing Major Russell and Capt. Ativood. Col. Saxdeuxon had frequent difficultiea 
with Capt. Atwood, and finally left the mess on his account. 

Shortly afier his arrival, he was requ^'sted by a large number of the oflScers 
to assume command of the kitchen dep't, and teach the officers how to prepare- 
their rations. This position he retained until Oct. 27, when he resigned, in con- 
seqiumce, 1 think, of a difficulty with one Liecit. Hall, brought about by a com- 
plaint made against Hall by Capt. Atwood. Owing to Col. Sanueuson's efforts^ 
this dep't was conducted with so much system and regularity, that a number of 
officers in the Western Dep't, under the charge of CoL Streight, made a stron^^ 



Tiri 

eflfort to obtain his services in regulating matters in their kitchen, bnt owing to 
determined opposition on the part of Col. Streight and others of his dop't, no 
invitation was extended. Shortly after, I was informed, that in a political discus 
sion, Col. Streight grossly in-ulteJ Col. Sanderson, alter which no further iuter- 
^course took place between them. 

Daring the month of Dece.iiber, it was intimated that the ofQ^ers were to be 
■removed from Libby Prison to Salisbury, N. C, and Col. S. suggested io me 
that the prisoners should organize themselves into a regiment, selecting ilieir 
captains from the higher rank, each of whom should recruit; his own company, 
and drill them occasionally so as to habituate them to their captains and com- 
manders, in case an opportunity appeared for an organized escape. Subse- 
quently the whole matter was referred tu Cul, di'Cesnola, with power to elaborate 
the details, each ofBeer m iking such suggestions as he might deem proper. None 
but field officers were initiated into the secret. Col, Streight was not interested 
at all at the first, but was subsequently informed of tie plan. Whilst this was 
going on, certain cha -ges were made by Col. Streight against the Rebel Com- 
missary, which were pi'esented to me for my approval, in which I ciaild not 
ftilly concur, and which, after investigation. Col. Sanpkkson and ni\self found 
Ourselves compelled to contradict to a certain extent : out of this grew a very 
bitter fend, re.-ulting in a meeling of the friends of Col. Streight, for llie jmr- 
pose of passing resolutions, condemnatory of the couise taken by us. At this 
meeting, I was informed. Col. Streight made a speech particularly abusive of 
CjI. Sandkusox. After the meeting Col. Sandi^hsox endeavored to obtain a ci py 
of the proceedings, but without success. I was not present at the meeting, but 
was informed that it was presided over ard oiganized by cfGcers principally 
from Col. Streight's dep't, and that the speakeis were from the sam^ dip irt- 
ment. After this meeting, Co!. Streight's anger against Cul. Sandersox km w no 
bounds, and he did not hesitate to charge Col. Saxdehsox wit^h whatever of mys- 
teiious or disagrc-'able might occur. 

iibout the middle of Oclobei-, Col. SAXDEi;sox*was taken s-ick and carried to 
the ho-pital wlieie he remained but two days. Three or four days after his ic- 
turn we discovered that two pieces of aitiUery had been placed to conimaiid 
the entrance t > the prison, and the gvuu-d in charge were doubled : tlii-, I ihinic, 
continued for two days, wlien the guns were I'enioved arul tlic guard relieved. 
This aff.iir caused great excitement throughout the prson, particularly wit > Col. 
Slrei-ht, and many of the officers in his department, and it was generally le- 
ported and believed, even by same of Col. Svni)K1!,so\'s intimate f.iei.ds, thai he, 
Sandersox, had divu'ged the plot to one of our i)ri.-oners, who was ac'ing as 
nurse in the hospital-!, (name I do not remember,) and who reported the tact 
to tie pii>o:i ofiij.'a'.s. I WtS I'd myself to think this ra'ghtbe the case, until 
convinced to the contrar„v. Subsequent to this another meeting was called, at 
Which Col. Saxdei!Son was publicly accused of betraying the i)lot to escape by 
ininy of Col. S;reight's friends. I was not present at this meeting, and am un- 
able to give the details of same. I will, however, state, that the plot above re- 
ferred to was concocted by Col. Streight, which was not supportedby the maj;.r- 
ify of Ihk- ofHoers present, I iMnk there was a slight change in the cnn- 
duct of CjI. Cesnola towards Col. S.vni)ei;so\ after this occurrence, yet it did 
Bot cause any change in the contemplated plan of escape, or induce those 



IX 

I 

having it in charge to relax their efforts to carry it out. My impression is that 
Col. Saxdbrsox WIS not cognizint of the plan concocted by Col. Stre'ght for 
breaking out and capturing the city — at any rate, he was not I'ully familiar with 
details of said plm until after he was accused of betraying the plot. 

Abiut the time of Col. Sandki!sox"s illness, Brig. Gen. Neal Dow returned 
from Mobile, and it was sugij;este(l by some one of our mess that he be invited 
to join it ; this did not meet with favor, Co). S. being pnrticiilarly opposed to it. 

Shortly after his return, a large invoice of clothing and supplies were for- 
warded by Flag-of-Truce to his address. After some delay he Avas permitted to 
visit Belle Isle, accompanied by Capt. Conice, 94th N. Y. Vols., and one or two 
other ofiRjers, (whose names I do not rt^member,) to distribute it, but in two or 
three days was relieved, and Col. di'Cesnola, Lieut. Col. Boyd, and Lieut. Col. 
Van Schrader assigned in his place ; with this committee Col. Sandekson had no 
connection whatever. 

After five or six weeks, however. Col. di"Cesnola, having interfered with 
soraj internal regulations of the i-land, having reference to the volunteering of 
our men as shoemakers for the Confederate army, was relieved, and Col. Sax- 
DEKsox was substituted and continued to perform the duties appertaining there- 
to unit early in February, when all egress, in consequence of the escape of 
some oflSct^rs, was discontinued. 

When C)l. S vxdersox fir^^t joined the Committee, he took as a companion, 
(having dfTered the position to me, which I declined,) Lieut. Col. Cavuda ; then 
Major Riissel, Jr., and then Capt. Atwood, each of whom accompanied him fire 
or six times. He then took Capt. Wentworth once, and thereafler he selected 
a different officer each diy, giving the preference to those hiiving relations or 
frien is on the island, without regard to his peison;il likes or dislikes. He also 
carrieil b tckwaid and forward lar^e numbei- of Ictd'is and sums of money. I 
never accompanied him while serving on this Committee. In the latter part of 
December, (Jol. Sanukhsox had a dilliculty with L'eut. Morley, who was connected 
wiih C )!. di'Cjsnola's mess, owing to some alleged eiicio.ichment on Mi)rley's 
part on the store belonging to the united messes. Out of this a coldness sprung 
up between Col. Cesnola and Saxdersox, who never spoke to each other during 
the bal.ince of my stay in prison. 

Ihive frequently borrowed money of him, which Ihavc since repaid — here- 
fusing all interest or gain. I have known him to lend it to others, and often 
seeking out the needy and distressed ; and, in er two instances, absolutely forc- 
ing it upon men with whom he had had diiiSculiies in a greater or less degree. 
Ho' was easily moved to anger ; but, upon the least appearance of a desire to 
apologise, quickly forgave — one or two in-;tjnces of this cbaraoter cimc under 
my person il obiesvatiiui. 

He was not a profane or bru'al man, and was not in the h ibit of using oaths, 
curses, and bltt /r invectives. His general c uul ict to his brother officnM was 
geuilemaaly and obliging ; and I nev^er knew him to exact courtesies which he 
was not willing to return. 

His position as director of the kitchpu nocossaiily ( rabroiled him in many 
dilficultios not of his own s.''ckini, and \v^ never received any compensating 
benefit for the trouble and annoyance he endured fulQling this position. 

Col. Saxdeesox had not, at any time, charge of the Kanitafy stores more than 



t 

any other member of tile Committee, and did not have any thing lo do with the- 
issuing of them. They came more directly under the charge of CdI. Van Schra- 
der. The officers generally obtained a share of Ihem — I. my.-'e'.f, being a recipi- 
ent. I was informed by several officers tliat Col. Saxdei!Son offered a reward to 
any offiu'er who would convey the news of Longslroet reinforcing Bragg to our 
Government. I do not remember the sum named. I am cognii^.int that lie lent 
money to officers to enalib' them to escape throngh the tunnel (one of my own 
party) and I received material from him for this purpose. 

He was not generally shunned or di.strusted by a m.ijority of the officers. He 
never expressed any desire to me to know or have any association with Gen. 
Neal Dow. I have no recollection of his being accused, in my presence, of be- 
traying the plot to escape ; yet I am knowing to his being persunally insulted 
on this account. No confidence was placed in the story by any gentleman ac- 
quainted with Col. Sandkusox's character ; and I never beard any substantiali 
evidence at all pointing to Col. Sandkusoxj 



FROM Lt. Col. B. B. McDANALD. 
[lOlst Ohio Vols.] 

I know James M. Saxdersox, Lt. Col. and Chief Comm"ssary of First A. C. He- 
was a prisoner in Libby wlien I was put in. I escaped, leaving him there. I 
did not, however, become personally acquainted with Col. Sandehsox until near 
the time of my escape from jjrison. A very few days before I left Libby, and. 
at a time when all of the pivliminary arrangements were about completed (with, 
thj3 exception of a sufficient amount of " greenbacks" — not '• graybacks,'' fur we 
bad plenty of them) : our party of four, viz.. Col. Streight, 51st Ind. Vols. ;, 
Capt. Seaver, same llegiment ; Lt. Stirling, 20th Ind. ; and myself, set to work 
lo raise the required amount. Having heard it spoken by officers in the Pri.'^ou 
that Col. Saxdersox had money, and that he had offered to furnish officers with 
money to enable them to effect their escape, I went to him and asked him to 
loan me some ; he remarked that he hadn't much about him then, but, if it was 
a matter of importance to me to have it, he wi>uld spare me twenty dollars of 
■what he had — with the umlcrstanding that, if I remained in prison, 1 sh(,uld re- 
turn it to him iu a short time. I piorai^ed him that I would do so. He, then,, 
gave me the money. 

At this same interview, he also said to me, that if my intentions were to at- 
tempt an escape, that he would tell me something that might be a benefit lo me. 
He thereupon took me to a certain window, and pointed out to me a house in 
which, he said, lived an Union lady that would give me assistance if I could 
get lo her. I did not at that time reveal the fact tohim, but at this same lime 
ray party had been corresponding with the same lady, and had succeeded 
through her assistance in securing a plan to stop for some days in the city; 
should we succeed in making our escape. AVe made our escape, was secreted 
for one week in the house in Richmond that this Union lady had secured for us,, 
and we arrived at Washington on the 28lh February, 18C4, 



XI 

I am not positive that Col. Streight know that I borrowed money from Col. 
Sandkusox, but I do know that all our money was used in common for the bene- 
fit of all. 



FROM Lt. Col. JEREMIAH WILLIAMS. 

[25^/1 Be<jt. Ohio Yvl. Iify.] 

During my imprisonment I knew Lt. Col. Saxdkrson. In his manners he was 
gentlemanly, much above an average of the officers. His associates in the pris- 
on were among the most accomplished gentlemen there. He was not in the 
habit of using vulgar and abusive language towards his fellow prisoners, as, I 
regret to say, some others were. 

His style of living was more comfortable and genteel than that of most of the ' 
others, and (his contributed something towards producing ill-feeling against 
him on the part of the envious. 

There was for a time a coolness between Lt. Col Sandkusox and myself; 
growing out of a controversy in regard to a matter about which we differed in 
opinion. Afterwards I had much need of a favor, and having confidence in hia 
magniimity, I requested it of him, and he at once kindly and gracefully granted 
it. We alterwards became friends, and he several times materially assisted me. 
I know of olher instances of his granting favors to officers, who like myself, 
had been prejudiced against him by the influence of a liltle faction, which, for 
some reason, unknown to me, had arrayed itself against him. 

For a considerable time he was culinary director, by appointment of the 
Chief Officer (selected by ourselves) of our rooms. He performt-d the duties of: 
this position better, as I believe, than any other officer in the prison could have- 
done it, systematizing and f-uperintending the preparation of food, and instruet-- 
ing the uninformed how best to cook it. His efforts to give equal opportunit.es. 
to the different messes brought down upon him abuse and rough language from 
a few, who determined to. break through our regulations whenever it suited; 
them. Chief among these was a very low-bred captain named Alwood. I tliii;k 
Atwood was not respected by any officer in the prison. 

The privations of such prison life naturally drf«w out the less amiable traits.; 
of men's characters, and often caused them to forget, or disregard the usual 
amenities between gentlemen. This rendered Col. Saxuerson's duties exceed- 
ingly difficult and unpleasant, and it was to be expected that he would mike 
enemies, notwithstanding his diligence and unrewarded efforts to contribute to 
the comfort of his fellow prisoners. Thoughtless or malicious persons availed! 
themselves of the absence of any means of enforcing discipline, and used very 
provoking language toward him. In my judgment, he exercised towards them 
a very great degree of forbearance. 

Col. Sanderson was exceedingly generous with his money and provisions.. 
He more than once oflfered, and in several instances gave, money to officers to,? 
enable them to escape, and at one time offered a large reward, to any one who* 



xn 

would e5cape to our line?, and notify our authorities of the rc-inforcemont of 
Brajrg's army by Longstrett. 

"When he left the prison, he divided his provisions and clothing among his 
fellow pi isoners, reserving only what was actually necessary to take him lo our 
lines, in this respect exhibiting a gratifying contrast with the conduct of Gen. 
Neal Dow. who accumulated a large amount of clothing, blankets, etc., and 
selO.-hly took them away with him, whilst officers in the prison were suflfeiing 
for them, and doubtless are to this day. I may as well add here th.it Gen. Dow 
was so selfish, domineering, and "oldwomanish," as to be atmost universally 
■disliked. 

To i-um up. Col. Sandlrsox made himself more useful, and contributed more 
to the comfort of the prisoners both at Libby and Belle I>le than any other 
IiaJf-dozfu officers there. He conducted himself like a gentleman, which he un- 
doubtedly i?!. He was no more intimate Avith tne Rebel authorities than was 
necessary for the proper transaction of the business of the prisoners. He loaned 
money to a number of his fellow-prisoners, charc;ing them nothing for the use 
•of it 



FROM Lt. Col. F. F. CAVADA. 

[Uue Lt. Col. VU(h Penn. Vols. & A. A. G., M Div., Second Coiys.'i 

^ know Lt. Col. James M. Sam'EKsox. My fiist personal acquaintance with 
Lim was in the month of Sepfcmber. 1864. He spoke to me on the subject of 
orgatiizirg in the form of a regiment, for the purpose of effecting an escape, in 
•ca^e we were removed from Richmond to Sali?bury, N. C, or some point south 
of .Richmond. Col. Saxdeii.sox wa^, I think, the first person in llie Piison whom 
I beard speak of such an organization. Cul. SANDiiRSOX was selected by the offi- 
cers as director of the kitchen, to leach them how to couk their lalions. He 
-devoted a ceit:tin number of houis to tlii!) duly, on each d;ty. As far as my 
knowledge extends, he peiformed this duty with zeal i-.nd fidelity. The posi- 
tion was a disagreeable one, and gave lise to constant quarrels and contentions 
which were calculated to render Col. Sancekkox unpopular with many of Lis 
fellow-prisoners. 



FROM CoL. B. F. FISHER. 
[Cldpfofihe Signal Corps, U. S. A.] 

Ihave known Lt.'Col. James M. Sanperson' since about the 1st of August, 
1.803. Our relations at no time could be terme'l very intimate, but. were of 
that friendly character existing between officers thus thrown together, without 
any resources for pastime save their own minds. 



XIII 

From September IS to October 19, Col. Sanderson, offended at the action I 
took at a meeting held by the officers upon the ISth of September, originated a 
coolness which existed until the latter date ; when he lianUly acknowledged 
that he was in error as to my actions, which opened the way again to our 
form 'V relat'ons ; but never since has that frank feeling and manner existed 
■which had place i^tior. 

1 was an inmute of the hospital at the time Col. Saxdeksox was there. I be- 
lieve he was mostly confined to his bed. but conversed freely at times with va- 
rious officers in the hospital at the same time. 

He came to the hospital on ihe ISih of October, and remained four or five 
days — the exact number I know not, but ho returned to his quarters at the 
Prison before the 25th ; I think he left upon ihe 23d. 

I never saw him at any time in consultation with any Rebel officer, beside thft 
Surgeon in charge. 

I have no recollection of seeing any Rebel officers during the time of his stay 
excepting the Surgeon, Steward, and officer of the guard. 

The officer of the guard was the only Confederate official attached to the hos- 
pital, in addition to the Surgeon and the Inspector, Mr. Hallett. 

The hospital attendants were Federal soldiers or citizens of the North cap- 
tured, among them was a man named Vermillion. He was, apparently, a kind- 
hearted man, courteous and gentlemanly; but, I am sorry to say, we were 
forced to suspect his loyalty and honor. He had more privileges than other 
pi'is oners. 

I was in the hospital when Major Hoiistain escaped in the Surgeon's clothes, 
and, so far as I know, those cognizant of the circumstances believed that Ver- 
million gave information to one of the hospital officials that Major Houstain had 
escaped. 

It would have been possible for Col. Saxdeksox to have disclosed anything 
to the Rebel authorities unknown to the oilier officers, either at the time he en- 
tered the hospital or at the time he left it ; but I do not think he could have 
done so during his atav in the room, and I have no recollection of him leaving 
the room from the time he entered the hospital until he left it. 

I never, for a moment, believed him capable of such treacber}'. 

I knew of a difficulty that occurred between Col. Streight and Col. Saxderson 
upon the evening of the 8th of August, when public sentiment in the Prison was 
perhaps universal against Col. Streight, on account of Ihe language he used to- 
wards Lt. Col. Saxdeksox in an argument between Ihem. 

I cannot say that Col. Streijjht was considered a most persistent and bitter 
enemy of Col. Saxdeksox after that difficulty. I do not think either had a high 
appreciation of the other, but that the feeling of dislike was mutual. 

I do not think he opposed an invitation being extended to Col. S. to take 
charge of and systematize the cooking department of th« West rooms on ac- 
count of any personal feeling between him and CoK S.; but because he thought, 
as many others of us did, that the improvement proposed would be a greater 
disadvantage than advantage. 

He did not take active measures in getting up a meeting against Col. Sander- 
son and Col. Tilden. We advised with him, but the meeting was called inde- 



XIV 

pendent of him ; nor was he present until it was organized, so far as ray knowl- 
■edge goes. He made a speech which was very severe and also personal in its 
•character, but it contained same wholesome truths rather roughly expressed. 
'To the extnet in which it was personal it can be said it was abusive aud ill- 
timed. 

He and his adherents did not vote down resolutions of a moderate character 
-offered by the mijoi'lty of the Com uittee, and substitute those of a most abu- 
sive and unmilitary character. Theicportof the Committee was adopt ed unan- 
imously, but resolutions more personil in their character were afterwards 
-offered by one of the meeting, and likewise adopted. These latter, iuusnuich 
as they were personal and tended to unirp the place of a decree of a military 
^Court, were perhaps unmilitary. 

I do not think Col. S;reight had any fear that bis conduct would be censured 
'by a military Court, though he might have thought it was not consi.<teut with 
■the Aimy Regulaiioiis. There was a rumor that Lt. Col. Sandeusox intended 
-to prefer charges agiinst Cul. Streiglit. 

Lieut. R.iiidoiph who joined me at Williamsburg after our escape, informed 
me that he had obtained money to enable him to esc.ipe through the tunnel, 
from Col. SvXDKRSD.v ; and I he.ird of other instances, but do not now recollect 
fi'om whom. I have a f.iiiit recollection that Major Henry told me shortly 
• before escaping that ho had obtained mjiiey from Swdkusox. but for what pur- 
pose I know not. 

Col. Sandekson always b id a good supply of provisions on hand, sent by his 
friends from theNorlli, and perhaps some of a richer quality tlian other tables 
possessed. The main feature of his living was his food w.is prepared with more 
care, and his table displayed more cleanliness aiivl taste than those of others. I 
suppose it was regarded by the c';a>s referred to — tlie worst class — with a w'ish 
to help devour wiiat was upon the table. I know it to have caused reaiark, 
-but the remarks were thosj of envy, not of just censure. 

I never heard the loyalty of his associates questioned, and deem them entirely 
■ so. They were gentlemen. 

I knew of a plan to rescue ourselves which was canvassed by the officers, of 
'■whom Col. Streight was one, which was simply an attempt to overpower the 
.guard, capture the arsenil, froj the other prisoners, and then fight our way 
><lown the l'enin.>ula. I suppose, as clear heads as there were in the prison 
thought at the lime, that if a proper organization and entire unity of action 
oould be secured, it would justify the attempt. No doubt there were some pra- 
-dent men who found fault w.th it — those who did not fancy the gauntlet ih.it 
-wou'd have to be run if the attjmpt was mule. It was never attemp;e.l to be 
canied into ex-^cuiiou, bee lu^e th.-re were too many " generals " ainohg us. 

I know of Col. S.v.vDiCRsox's efforts during the month of September to get up 
an otganizitiuii lor the purpose of escaping in case of reiuoval from Rijliinond 
to Salisbury. 1 think 1 learned it from Col. S. hims^df, but 1 do not know \Vha 
originated it. ■ , ' 



FROM Lt. Col. A. F. RODGERS. 
[SOth Illinois Vols.] 

I was captured near Rome. Ga., on the Sd of Mny, 1863, and was exchanged 
at Charleston, S. C, on the .^d of August, 18(54 — being one of the fifty officer* 
placed there under tire. Ihadconimind of the 80th Regiment, Illinois Vols. 
on the raid into Georgia, commanded by C d. Streigiit. 

I formed acquaintance with CjI. JamilS M. S.vndkiwov, in Libby Prison, Rich- 
mond, Va. Ills reputation as an officer and a gentleman was as good as any in 
the Prison : he was not in the habit of using profane or abusive language. To- 
wards his conuMdes he acti'd the perfect gentleman : his associates were of th.& 
better class of otHcers. I was person dly cognizant of his services as director 
in the East room. The officers of the West rooms had it in contemplation 
to invite him to exercise supervision of the cooking and messing arrangemeatst 
ia their room, which was sd strong'y oppose 1 by Col. Streight th.it it was abaa- 
doneil. I was present at the difficiilty between CoN. Streight and SAxni<Rsox. 
Col. Streight abused C d. S.vnoeh.sox most shamefully. Every officer that heard 
it censure 1 Col. Streig!)r. for his ungentlcmanly and abusive language. 

A't-^r this difBciilty, Col. Streight was a pers'sleiit enemy of Col. Sandeesok 
find was instrumental in getting up a meeting in the East rooms, for the purpose 
of denDiincing Cols. Tihien and Svxdekso.v. It was generally understood that 
Col. Saxd'jirsox would bring charges against him for his conduct and remarks 
on that occasion. 

I heve known him to g've money to needy brother officers, and assist themj 
very mat^'riaHy otherwise, by helping them to medicine, clothing, etc. 

I never knew him to refuse a favor to any one, if in hii power to grant it. 

I am acquainted with Neal Dow, la'c B 'ig. Gen. of yulunteers. He was no£ 
in my opinion moio kind and p .triotic thin Col. Sanueiisox. I do not regard 
him as a better olficer or kinder-hearted m;in. I was knowing to the fact that 
General Dow had a number of blankets, and when brother officci's came irt 
without any, he would not offer them one, and they would have to lay on the 
bare floor, or sit up all night. 

When Gen. Dow was exchanged he carried blankets and provisions away wltk 
him. 



FROM Lt. Col. JOHN HENRY. 

[5th Ohio Cavy.] 

"Was taken prisoner in a fight with Gen. Gialmers at Hernando, Miss., and 
wa^ sent to Libby Prison, Richmond, aniving tlieie July G, I8G3. I remained 
until the night of Febriuiry 9, IStJl, when iu compiiny with one hundred and 
eight o:her prisoners,! made my esj.-ipe tluongh the luniie!,was re-captured two 
days alt.-r, aid bi on ;ht back, where I remained ua.il the 30lh April, when I 
w.is released and exchangt'd. 

Lt. C d. Saxdi'MIsox's reputition as an officer was. that he was very tborougfit 
and rig'.d in exacting discipline, somewhat of a martinet; exact and orderly 



XVI 

himst'lf, lie required tho.se under his control to do thoir duty ; he was very sys- 
tematic and precise in what he undortook, and, I think, aimed at the good of his 
fellow prisoners. His character as a gentleman was high, and by his deporl- 
ment as such, commtuuh^d respect. His associates were among the most moral 
and Ingh-tont'd in Libby ; anything vulgar shocked and hurrilied him. 

His arrangements for conducting the cooking department, although rigid, were 
well cilculate 1 1'» benefit all concerned ; but were not appreciated by thrse who 
were too filthy and indi.-posed to do ought for themsL-'lves. There existu'd in 
consequence a prejudice that grew, and was nourished by those who disliked 
restraint until it a-snmed a hatred, and any saying was twisted into such a shape 
as was best calculated to stir up dislike in the minds of those who were the re- 
cipients of his favors, and turn them against him. Consi'qnently, viewed through 
spectacles, colored by such prejuilices, his enemies could not place to h's cre- 
dit much that was loyal, noble, and benevolent in his conduct and actions. TO' 
myself he communicatrd freely plans of escape, and he often talked of the feasi- 
bility of such ]dans. lie ivas indeed the first to hint towards organizui'wn for the 
purpose of releasimj ourselves. 

He always seemed willing to submit to the action of our Government, in the 
mitter of our confinement, wiien many of the so-c.illed and loudmouthed " Ad- 
mini-trationists " were denouncing it. 

I accompanied him once to Belle Island, and was convinced, that, although 
his discipline wusrij;id, it aimed at the good of those for whom he assiduously 
labored. 1 do not believe, for I made enquiry of the men themselves, that he 
treated them cruelly. He was too kind, and too much in sympathy with them 
to be guilty of sueh meanness. 

His intimacy wltli Rebel ofiicers went no fiu'ther than was calculated, in hi& 
judgment, to further the welfare of prisoners; he may have used tlie "Silken 
Glove," but it covered an " Iron Hand," when duty required him to stand up 
for the rights of our poor privates. As far as I could ob.serve, he was polite 
to the Rebels in charge of the prison, but distant and dignified. 

When we iriade our escape, he generously loaned many of the officers money, 
and bade them " God-speed." I was somewhat prejudiucd against him at first, 
but looldng at the matter fairly, I must say that no one went to him in a manly, 
open manner, who did not find him willing to explain or make the proper 
amends ; and on very many occasions he exerted himself to obtain favors for 
those who had vilified him. I do not think he would have injured Col. Streight 
in any way while a prisoner, and no man rejoiced more at his escape, or wished 
him good luck with a freer heart. 

Col. Streight was a good, loyal man, but Col. S.\.xnERSON, although not so 
popular, was as loyal. I, for one, never for a moment doubted him, and to-day 
have no cause to change my opinion. 

To me he laid open his heart in his grief for afflictions at home, and in our 
hours of tender conversation I felt bis heart was right, whatever others might 
think. 

I will say, in conclusion, on my honor, that I believe the charges made were 
■without the slightest fonndation, and had their origin more in a prejudice grow- 
ing out of the restraints his discipline imposed upon a restless and uncultivated 



XVII 

set of men, unnsed to being curbed in tlieir desires, and too rude and ignorant 
to appreciate the efforts, of any one laboring for tlieir good, when those efforts 
•conflicted with their loose and selfish desires. 



FROM Major WM. RUSSELL, Jun. 
[ i. A.G. aimlry M. 31. Dii'.] 

1 hereby state, o?i lionor, that my name is William Russell, Jun. ; my rank, 
Major ; my position, Ass't Adj. Gen. Cavalry, Middle Military Division. I was 
captured on the 20th of July, 18(i3, in company with Lt. Col. James M. Sandku- 
soN, Chief C. S., of the First Corps (of which I was A. A. A. G.,) and one Order- 
ly. We were surprised by a band of guerillas, (twelve in number,) whilst re- 
■connoiterins; for a ford to cross the column over a deep and rapid stream in the 
vicinity of Middleburg, Va. We were carried to Richmond, stopping one night 
at Culpepper, where Col. Sandehson expressed himself a warm advocate for 
the abolition of Slavery. We were confined in Libby Prison, in the Eastern 
department, and continued intimate during our whole imprisonment — belong- 
ing to the same mess until January Ist, when Col. Sanderson left it owing to 
the alleged ungentlemanly conduct of Captain Atwood. Shortly after our 
arrival. Col. Streight took occa>^ion to fasten a quarrel on Col. Sanderson, 
and insulted him in a most gratuitous and ungentlemantly m inner. In this 
affair every honorable man sided with Col. Sandkisson, and commended his con- 
duct. 

Daring the month of October. Col. S. was taken quite ill and carried to the 
hospital, where he remained two or three days. On his retui'n he suffered a 
relapse, and was quite ill for some time. During this latter attack we were 
suddenly surprised to find two guns placjd to cover the entrances to the Prison, 
and the guard doubled. On inquiry, we were informed that the citizens of 
Richmond threatened to break open the Prison and set us free, as we were rais- 
ing the price of provisions. Subsequently, we learned that some one had re- 
vealed a plan of escape which we were said to be concerting ; and, finally, we 
were informed by Col. Streight and his friends that Col. Sandekson had be 
trayed us to the Confederate authorities. As no attempt to escape was made 
the guns were withdrawn and the extra guard retired, and matters proceeded 
as usual. This charge against Col. Sandicrson was not made openly or in his 
presence, that I ever heard ; but was whispered about without attaining, as far 
as I know, the slightest credence amon^' his friends, or the better class of officers 
surrounding him. 

A few days later, a large .=upply of subsir-tence and clothing, addressed to 
"Gen. Neal Dow (sent by our Gover.iment) was received ; and G, n. Neal Dow 
•was permiited to visit the Islind for the purpose of distributing it. II.- wns ac- 
companied, I think, by one or two junior offi?crs. He w^-nt bit two or tlircv^ 
times, as he was suddenly relieved by the Confederate authorities ; and Cols. 
Cesnola, Boyd, and VonSchrader substituted. These gentlnmen were constaniy 
employed in transacting this business for five or six we^ks, when Col. Cesnola 



XVIII 

brought down the anger of the authorities by some action on his part, and bfr 
also was relieved ; and Col. Sandkkson, at his (Cesnola's) suggestion, assigned 
to his place. Col. Sandkrson, at flrst, selected Col. Cavada as a companion, 
but this gentleman was obliged alter four or live visits to abandon this position, 
and I was invited to take his place, until I, also, was forced by sickness to re- 
linquish it, after having accompanied Col. S. for some days. * * * * 

Col. Sandkrson was quick-tempered, and spoke sometimes more sharply and 
severely than was necessary ; but he was ready to forget and forgive, and was 
as easily approached by a foe as by a friend, especially when a favor was to be 
conferred. Several officers, who had had serious difficulties with him, were re- 
lieved by him without the slightest hesitation on his part. I have known him 
to lend money to officers, and he was known for his stock of medicines and lit- 
tle necessaries which he sent for to the North expressly for the needy and im- 
provident. Jly successor, as Col. Sanderson's companion, was Capt. Atwood, 
who was selected at the request of Col. Tilden ; although Col. S. did not partic- 
ularly affect him. This officer held the position for five or six days, when Col. 
S. decided to take a difterent officer every day, so as to aflbrd many who had re- 
lations among the soldiers an opportunity of visiting them. In his selection he 
appeared to be guided by the claims of the applicants, giving the preference to 
those having the greatest claims. I have since heard that many of these men 
went over expressly to obtain evidence of his cruelty, great reports of which 
were circulated throughout the Prison. ****** 

The day following the " McKee" meeting. Col. S. asked and obtained permis- 
sion to select two officers daily for his companions ; and, during the continu- 
ance of his visits to the Island, he was always accompanied by that number. 

Early in February, five officers made their escape from the Prison, whereupon 
all privileges extended to the Committee and others were cut off, and all visits 
to Belle Island ceased. Col. Sanderson was sometimes, however, permitted to. 
visit the officer in charge uf the boxes ; and I knew he did everything in his 
power to procure the boxes of any one who would ask his assistance. Just be- 
fore the general exodus through the tunnel, several parties asked and obtained 
money from Col. S. to enable them to effect their escape ; whilst to others he 
gave everything he could spare, calculated to aid them in getting through safely.. 
Finally, when about to be exchanged. Col. S. divided among his companions 
and messmates everything he was possessed of in the shape of books, clothing, 
bedding, and subsistence — amounting to over two hundred dollars, if not more, 
carrying away with him the contents of a haversack and one blanket. After 
his departure. Captain Atwood, who had been promised his release by Dick Tur- 
ner, was unexpectedly sent back ; and immediately charged it upon Col.. San- 
derson, who, as I have since been informed, was not aware of his not being on 
board the steamer until so apprised by Capt. Fobes, some hours attei their de- 
parture. 

Col. Sanderson was not given to profanity, bestiality, or abusive language.. 
On the contrary, he was courteous and obliging to every one who approached 
him in a gentlemanly manner. 

I have seen him in a passion and have heard him apply epithets of a most 
abusive character to an officer ; but only when, as I thought, richly deserved.. 



XIX 

FROM SoRGEON A. W, WHITNEY. 

[13<A Mass. Vols.] 

• ««******* 

I have known Lt. Col. Sanderson for nearly three years ; we were imprisonecB 
in the same room nearly lour months. He was courteous, gentlemanly, and sol- 
dierly in his deportment, and not in the habit of using profane, vulgar, or 
abusive language. His manners, habits, sentiments compared favorably with 
any of the officers imprisoned with us. * * * * * * 

I was present at a difficulty that occurred between Col. Streight and. Col. 
Sanderson, — in my opinion, and I believe in that of all the officers there pre- 
sent, Col. Streight was wholly to blame. I think it was generally reported and 
believed that Lt. Col. Sanderson intended bringing charges against Col. Streight 
for violating the Army Regulations, and for a cowardly surrender of his com- 
mand to the enemy. 

I remember the guard about the prison being doubled, on account it was 
said, of a discovery by the Rebel authorities of a plot among the prisoners to 
break out and escape. I have heard both Col. Sanderson and Col. Streight ac- 
cused of having divulged this plot to the enemy ; the former by talking about 
the plans to his brother officer.-i, before one of the nurse? in the hospital ; the 
latter, by sending a threatening message to Major Turner, the commandant of 
the prison, saying, " tell Turner he'll be damned glad to see me, and thit be- 
fore long." But I do not believe that either of these gentlemen would intention- 
ally stoop so low as to betray the plans of their fellow prisoners. I believe Col. 
Sandeuson to be a high-minded, honorable, and patriotic gentleman, and that 
he would scorn such meanness. I was posted up in the plan of escape pro- 
posed by Col. Cesnola and others,-— to insure its success the active co-operation, 
of the U. S. Government was requisite. When I left the prison. Col. Cesnola 
and Lt. Col. S. were on friendly terms. 

I was released with the other surgeons on the 21th day of Nov., 1864. CoK 
Sanderson worked early and late striving to systematize the Culinary Departr 
merit, and teach his brother officers to cook their rations — his services were 
valuable — the position one of delicacy and difficulty, calculated to make more 
enemies than friends among the lawless, self-willed, and insubordinate. 

I heard Col. Sanderson offer a large reward to any officer who would escape, 
and convey information to the U. S. Government concerning the movements of 
Gen. Longstreet's command. 

Col. Sandkrson borrowed over three hundred dollars, ($300,) in greenbacks, 
of me, to lend to his fellow captives. ****** 

Col. Streight was in the habit of " giving the lie '' to his brother officers when- 
ever he thought he could do so with impunity. 



STATEMENT of Maj. FARNSWORTH. 

«********it 
I knew Lt. Col. James Sanderson whilst a prisoner in Libby — was on terms 
of general acquaintance. I call his manners courteous and gentlemanly. * * • 
He did render valuable service to his fellow prisoners by his efforts in organ- 
izing the kitchen, and in teaching them how to prepare their rations. My own 



XX 

impression was at the time that if Col. Sanderson had exclusive control, and 
had been obeyed, the condition of our rations would have been much better. 
But there were numbers among us who wanted to do as they pleased, and 
■owe allegiance to no one : this brought Col. Sanderson in collision with some 

i.(tt«^«« **** **** 

omcers. 

I saw Col. Sanderson when he left the prison, paroled. I think he took only 
«, cloak with him. 

I left the prison with Gen. Neal Dow when he was paroled. He had two 
trunks, which he requested officers to assist him in carrying to the truce boat. 

He asked me to assist him, but I told him that I had left all my blankets and 
■clothing, sent me from home, for the use of the remaining suffering prisoners, 
i&nCi that I innst decline the honor of carrying any of his. * * * « 



STATEMENT of Maj. J. H. HOOPER. 

[I.j//t Mass. Vols.'] 

* * * Was, on the 25th day of July. 18G3, cuptured by the Rebel guerilla Mosby, 
mear Warrenton, Va-.-aaid was held in captivity, as prisoner of war, by the 
Rebel authorities, at the Libby Prison, Richmond, Va., from on or about the 
3st day of August, 1803, until the 9tb day of February, 1804, when I made my 
•escape from said prison with other officers of the U. S. A., by means of a tunnel, 
secretly dug from one of the cellars of said prison. 

During my imprisonment I became acquainted with Lt. Col. James M. San- 
Dunsox of the Commissary Department of the U. 8. A., and considered liim in 
■bis habit and deportment, gentlemanly, courteous, soldier-like, and in his speech 
free from profane, vulgar or abusive language. * * * * * 

In habits, manners, and opinion he compared, in my estimation, very favor- 
ably with the majority of the officers confined in Libby Prison. 
' Social intercourse and companionship with him, to a great extent, was sought 
ifoy the better class of officers. 

At one time it was freely assorted by many that Lt. Col. Sanderson had be- 
trayed 'to the Rebels a plan of escape, which had been for some time maturing. 
.biit;itis my impression that Lt. 0)1. Sanderson cleared himself entirely from 
■said charge, even in the mind.fi of those who openly avowed themselves his 
enemies. Never for a moment did I believe Lt. Col. Sanderson guilty of such 
a crime, nor did I stand alone in such belief. 

Lt. Col. Sanhikrson was at one time director of the kitchen, of the part of 
Libby Prison known as the East rooms. He was appointed to this position, I 
Jaelieve, by h'.s fellow-officers. In the capacity of director his teachings were 
of much value to his inexperienced companions ; and, in my opinion, the order, 
«3'stem, ramner of cooking, etc., which to a great extent he inaugurated, were 
highly condncive to the preservation of health among the inmates of the Prison. 

The position was one well-calculated to make enemies among men whose sel- 
fish or greedy propensities were paramount to all others. 

J knew Col. Streight by sight only ; never having, to my remembrance, ex- 



XXI 

changed a word with him. His manners were not such as to create in me a dis- 
position to cultivate his acquaintance. * * * « • 
I was present at a meetinj^ gotten up by some officer or officers for the pur- 
pose of denouncing Col. S.vndiokson. The proceedings of this meeting and the 
resolutions offered were of such a s^candaloiis nature that even his enemies were- 
disgusted, and all just-minded men present united in expressions of disappro- 
bation. It is my impression that no one attempted to substantiate these charges^ 
although, to my certain knowledge, Lt. Col. Sanderson repeatedly challenged 
his accuser to do so. I have been told that Lt. Col. S. repeatedly loaned money 
to officers needy and in distress ; and I know positively of his having loanedj 
money to officers about attempting to escape through the tunnel; and not only 
loaning money, but freely giving provisions from his own stock ; and in one in- 
stance, in which I was ppr^onilly interested, brandy, ext. of ginser, and other 
valuable articles were given — the possession of which very much increased the 
chances of success in the rather hazirdous business of biiffling vigilant Rebels- 
for twelve days. ******* 



FROM Dk. ALEX.\NDER McDONALD. 

Am Agent of the U. S. S-initary Commission : was taken prisoner July 5y 
1863, near Mechanicsvile, Md., and conveyed to Richmond, Va. ; there confined! 
in Libby Prison and Castle Thunder, till September 22, 1863. * * "While in Libby 
Prison I knew and was in daily communication with Lt. Col. J.M.Sanderson. * * 
During a part of the time of our confinement in Libby Prison, Col. Sandkrsox. 
acted as chief of the culinary department for the Middle and Eistern rooms;, 
and, in that capacity, rendered valuable service, by improving the mode of pre- 
paration of such rations as were furnished, thereby undoubtedly diminishing- 
the risks of sickness from the use of in)properly prepared food. His positioi 
in this department was a difficult and arduous one, well calculated to cause en- 
mity and ill-feeling on the part of thoughtless persons ; but, as far as i know^ 
Col. Sanderson performed his duty in a just and impartial manner — giving gen- 
eral satisfaction, though exciting the ill-will of a few. 

While in the prison I believed Col. Sandkr.son to be a humane man, and am.- 
cognizant of several of his acts which tended to show his kind disposition to aid 
the suOfering, and have never since had knowledge of any acts on his part whicht 
should cause me to change such opinion. 

Col. A. D. Streight was confined in the same prison, and I became somewhat- 
acquainted with him, but aid not consider him a gentlemanly person, and there-; 
fore avoided his society. 

A person named Vermillion was employed in the Prison-office, during a part, 
of the time I was in the hospital of Libby Prison, and I believe he afterwards- 
becai.'e a nurse in the hospital. He had once been a Union soldier, but seemed. 
tp hold some subordinate position as clerk or copyist in the office of the prison,, 
and at Belle Isle. Saw him several limes in the hospital, and had some conver- 
sation with him, on two or three occasions. Did not deem him an honest op 



XXII 

sincere man, and feared be was in league with the Rebel authorities, by whom 
I believe he was permitted to visit the hospital for the purpose of obtaining in- 
formation regarding the plans of prisoners there confined. 



FROM Capt. E. a. FOBES. 
[Chf. a S. 2d Div. Cav'y Corps.] 

* * * Was captured at Brandy Station, Va., June 0th, 1SC3, and taken to Libby 
Prison, Richmond, Virginia. 

I know Lt. Col. Sanderson' very intimately. We occupied the same quarters 
and messed to;^ether the last months of our imprisonment. I saw him every 
day previous to messing with him. His conduct was gentlemanly, honorable, 
and that of an officer ; he was kind and liberal to suffering officers, and espe- 
cially to the sick. His language was habitually pure and temperate. His com- 
,pany, as a rule, was sought for by officers of inferior and equal rank. * * * * 

I was present when the misunderstanding occurred between Col. Streight and 
Col. Sanderson, and consider Col. Streight greatly in the wrong. I deemed 
Col. Streighfs conduct far from that of an officer and a gentleman, especially as 
w« were under the observation of the enemies of our country. ***** 

I know that Lt. Col. Sanderson did offer a sum of money to any officer who 
would attempt to escape, and convey certain information to the Federal 
authorities- I also know that Lt. Col. Sanderson did furnish money, and our 
■mess subsistence, to such officers as applied previous to their escape through 
the tunnel. * * * * * • 

Lt. Col. Sanderson left prison the same day I did, only taking a small haver- 
sack and fifty dollars in money ; the latter he expended for meals for officers on 
board flag-of-truce boat New-York, on her trip from City Point, Va., to Annap- 
olis, Md. 



FROM Capt. E. A. MASS. 
[»8th Tenn. Vols.] 

• * * Was captured on the 1st day of July, 18G3, at Gettysburg, Pa., carried to 
•Richmond, Va., and confined in Libby Prison. 

I know Col. James M. Sanderson, Chief C. S., 1st Army Corps. 
I was not intimate with him the early part of his imprisonment. I was very 
iinfavorably disposed towards him at first, because I had heard so much said 
against him in regard to his being too intimate with the prison officials. It was 
!the custom to ascriJbe everything of a disagreeable nature to Col. Sanderson, 
and one great cause of dislike to him was caused by his being appointed Culi- 
mary Director, having charge of the kitchen, and having to decide a great num- 
ber of quarrels daily, and no matter how justly decided, I noticed that the party 
decided against, almost invariably became Col. Sanderson'.s enemy. 



XXIII 

As far as I could see he always acted justly and gentlemanly while holding 
the position, which was a most difficult one to fill, and of great benefit to all of 
us. 

I heard it stated that Col. Sanderson' betrayed a phin to escape to the rebels. 
No evidence was ever produced to my knowledge to substantiate this charge, 
and it is my candid opinion that this ami other charges were made against him 
in prison, because he was the most unpopular man there. 

I never kiiew him to be harsh, repulsive, or ungentleaianly in his intercourse 
with the officers in the prison. 

I cannot recollect of ever having heard him use profane, vulgar, or abusive 
language. 

His associates in prison I would judge to be among the moat loyal there. I 
visited Belle Island in company with him on one occasion, to help distribute 
clothing. I saw nothing cruel, harsh, or insulting in his manner to our soldiers 
there. He did not punish any one while I was there, although one of our ser- 
geants reported a lot of men to him for having done something wrong ; what it 
was I cannot now recollect. 

I went to Belle Isle at my own request, because some of the men of my regi- 
ment were there and wrote to me to come and see them. I heard previously to 
this that Col. Saxdeksox had been in the habit of using the men on the island 
very roughly. 

I asked them if it was true that Col. Sanderson had been in the habit of treat- 
ing the men badly, and they told me that they had not seen anything of it. * * 

I was present at fhe meeting gotten np by the enemies of Col. Saxdersox, dur- 
ing his absence. Charges of the wor.-^tkind were made against him in a series 
of resdhuions, but proofs were demanded, and not one man could be found who 
wouHd s.iy that there was the least bit of truth in them, and they were indig- 
nantly voted down, and the effect was to open the eyes of the majority of the 
officers, who thought as I did, that there was a party in the prison very unjustly 
persecuting Col. Saxdkrsox, and I must say up to this time I actually despised 
the sight of him, not that I saw anything myself, but altogether through reports 
I had heard against him. * * * * * 

I did not see Col. Saxdersox carry away with him any large package or bun- 
dle. Nothing would justify an officer in taking away from the prison anything 
that would conduce to the comfort of his fellow-prisons. * * « 



FROM Capt R. 0. IVES. 
[lOth Mass. Vols.] 

Col. Sanderson's experience as regards subsistence, cookery, etc., was of the 
highest benefit to the whole Prison ; and I attribute to his watchfulness and care 
the fact that so few of our number died of the miserable provisions furnished 
b^ the Rebels. 

I also understand that it was upon charges prepared by Col. A. D. Streightand 
a certain Brig. Gen. Neal Dow, backed by some statement of an enlisted man. 



XXIV 

that Mr. Sanderson has been dismissed. I have not the honor of the enlisted 
man's acquaintance, but Col. Streifjht and Gen. Dow I know intimately. The 
former is a notorious atheist, from Indiana— a man who, in my humble opinion, 
would stick at nothing to injure a personal enemy ; who hated Col. Sandkkson ; 
and, in the presence of numerous officers, applied to him the most abusive epi- 
thets. A man rash, headstrong, ignorant— brave, no doubt, but a thorough vul- 
garian, who instinctively hatted a gentleman. 

Of Brig. Gen. Neal Dow I need only say, that he had a difficulty with Col». 
Sandekson arising out of the fact that, from his imprudence in language, he was 
removed from distributing the U. S. stores sent to prisoners, and Col. Cesnola, 
4th N. Y. Cav. put in his place. He also was subsequently removed, for the 
reason that his relations were supposed by Brig. Gen. Winder, C. S. A. to be too 
intimate with one John Higgins, clerk in the office of said Winder. Mr. Sax- 
DEKSON was then appointed, and by his tact and ability executed his difficult 
task to the general satisfaction of 'he Rebel authorities and the U. S. officers 
prisoners of War. However contemptible such jealousy may be on the part of 
Brig. Gen. Neal Dow, I give it as my belief that his animosity to Lt. Col. San- 
derson, and the charges subsequently brought by said Dow, had their inception 
in this matter of distributing clothing. 

As to the brutality of Lt..Col. Sanderson to the men on Belle Island I can say, 
from my own knowledge, that he treated them as an officer and a superior — quell- 
ing riot, and enforcing regularity in the quantity, time, and manner of distri- 
bution, as bis memoranda or accounts will show. I have also talked with nu- 
merous prisoners who were on Belle Isle, in my various prisons, aud have yet 
failed to find a good soldier who found any fault with Lt. Col. Sanderson. The 
deserters and substitutes (bounty jumpers) were,of course, loud in their denunci- 
ations—for, to them, Lt. Col. Sanderson was decidedly rude, not to say 'brutal." 

I do not know that I need to say more, except as to the allegation that Lt. 
Col. Sanderson betrayed a plot of certain officers to escape. As an intimate of' 
those deepest in said plot, I can utterly deny the staement; for there never 
was a plan made, although said plot was mooted by several surgeons and CoL 
Streight, assisted by two or three detei mined chaplains — I am not sure but 
what some foreign officers (Italian, or what not) figured in said plot ; but it was 
perfectly still-born, never having attained the dignity of afoiius ; and Col. San- 
derson never betrayed any plot, plan — or, to my knowledge, any confidence 
reposed in him. 

And, in closing this statement, allow me to add that, in my humble opinion, 
Lt. Col. Sanderson is the victim of men whose meanness of sentiment and in- 
nate vulgarity (Brig. Gen. Neal Dow included) 'have made them overlook the- 
many kind acts and noble traits of Col. Sanderson. 



STATEMENT of Cart. E. CHARLIER. 

[.4. -4. Inspec. Gen'l Norihern District, Depi. oj the South.] 
* * Was taken prisoner at the battle of Gettysburg, July 1st, 1863, remained about 



XXV 

eight months in the Libby Prison, Richmonil, Va., and released on parole- 
March 7, 1864, with a number of other nffijers. 

I became acquainted with Lt. Col. Jame.s M. Saxdekson^ shortly after the be-- 
ginnlng of his capture. My quarters were at first In a room next to the one 
where his were. Afterward^, and during the four or fi^e last months of my 
sojourn In the Libby Prison, my quirters were close to his. My knowledge of 
him became, therefore, constant and Intimate. 

So far as I could ascert.iin without taking any particular pains to do so, his 
reputation was, at first at least, that of a respectable and respected officer, and 
gentleman. I heard afterwards some complaints against him, but never could 
find means to ascertain whether they were founded or not. He seemed to have 
warm friends and bitter enemies. 

No charge against him was ever substantiated In my pre.sence, so far as I 
can remember, and I could never come to the conclusion that he deserved the 
opprobrium which some endeavored to cast upon him. 

The fact that he had so many enemies was attributed by me to petty jeal- 
ousies caused by his appointment at the head of the Culinary Department of 
the prison ; his eftbrls to regulate it in the midst of most trying circumstances ; 
and also to his being appointed to superintend the distribution of provisions 
and clothing to the prisoners at Belle Isle. 

Unless I except the use of the word ''damn," I never heard Lt. Col. Sander- 
son make use of vulgar or profane language. He was always polite and re- 
fined In his intercourse with me, or with others in my presence. I even thought 
him religously inclined. 

His manners and habits were too far above those of too many of the prison- 
ers to admit of comparison in my own mind. 

Never did I hear him utter a sentiment that had any disloyal tendency to- 
wards our Government, or that showed any sympathy for the Rebel cause. His 
relations with the Rebel officers and employees of the prison were indeed fre- 
quent, amd apparently pleasant and courteous ; but they were necessitated to a 
great extent by his functions as head of the culinary department, and his 
having to go out dally to Belle Isle. Like myself and others, he thought also 
that nothing was to be gained by ungentlemanly conduct towards our keepers, 
and that unless a successful plan of escape could be devised, and carried into 
execution, we ou>:ht to submit to the regulations of the prison. When once I 
observed to him that his intercourse with the Rebel officers was perhaps over- 
friendly, he answered that it was merely that of gentlemen who came in daily 
contact, and that it might be beneficial to the welfare of the prison.^rs, or some- 
thing to that effect. I understood also that he had in view an appointment as. 
General Agent for the transfer and distribution of supplies to prisoners of war 
in Rebel hands, and that he considered such an agent as more likely to succeed 
well in his mission, should he be on good terms personally with the Rebels. 

I never perceived that Lt. Col. Sanderson was avoided by the best class of 
oflBcers, and never heard a charge of disloyalty brought against him, except 
once when the only proof adduced was his intercourse with the Rebels. To the 
best of my knowledge he was treated with respect and deference by most of 
those whom I considered as the respectability of the prison. A few, his ene- 
mies, for reasons unknown to me, did not speak to him, or of him in my presence. 



XXYJ 

FROM Capt. S. G. HAMLIN. 

{Uith K Y. Vols.] 
■*•*****«*• 

I knew Lt. Col. James M. Sanderson in prison. His services as culinary di- 
' rector, and his labor in organizing and systematizing the mess arrangements of 
the prison, conduced more to the welfare and convenience of the officers than 
the acts of any other officer. I deemed his labors of great value to the prison- 
ers. His position was a difficult and unpleasant one, exposing him to annoy- 
ance and insult sometimes from junior officers. It was a prevalent opinion in 
prison that all distinction of rank ceased while there, which caused much 
trouble, especially to whoever undertook to introduce any regulations. Col. 
Sanderson exposed himself to much abuse in his judicious attempts to intro- 
duce system and regularity, although his services secured us much convenience 
•and protection. 

I never saw anything in Col. Sanderson's conduct to justify a charge of cru- 
elty, inhumanity or brutality. I know of instances, on the contrary, of bis will- 
ingness to loan money to fellow officers to better their condition. It was re- 
ported in prison that he had advanced money to prisoners to enable them to 
escapp. 

I did hear it charged or rumored in prison that he had betrayed a plan of * s- 
•cape to the Rebels. No proof was ever given to me of the truth of the charge, 
nor do I believe it was generally believed. I never heard of any person making 
the charge to Col. Sandkkson personally. My belief is, its foundation is per- 
sonal enmity and not substantial proof. 

I was acquainted with Gen. Neal Dow. I saw him take Inra the piison two 
trunks with him when he It-ft (or the North. , I saw him pack the trunks. He 
did put some blankets in them. The trunks were filled, but whether they con- 
tained any condensed milk or medicines, I could not positively say. It was 
the prevalent opinion, however, that they did. I knew Capt. Atwood in prison, 
•and will say in justice to you, without injustice to others, that I never saw any- 
thing in your character as a gentleman and an officer, but what would very fa- 
vorably compare with that of Capt. Atwood, Gen. Dow, or Col. Streight. 

The number of blankets Gen. Dow saw fit to take up to Maine with him I 
don't exactly know. I heard it was fourteen. I know he took several. 

If my statement will be any use in extricating you from the bitter clutches 
of personal strife engendered in our loathsome confinement, and which I be- 
lieve to be a matter of personal enmity, I will have no regrets at the result. 



FROM Capt. MARTIN TOWER. 
lUth Regt. Mass. Vols.'] 
* * Was taken prisoner July 1, 1863, at the battle of Gettysburg, was confined 
in Libby Prison, Richmond, Va.. from July 18th, 1863, until February 9th, 1864, 
at which time I effected my escape by means of a tunnel dug by officers con- 
fined in the prison. 



XXVII 

I was intimately acqii linted with Lt. CdI. Saxdekso-V, and consider his char- 
acter as a m in and an officer unimpeachable. , « * * 

He was excelled by few of the officers confined in Libby, in his manners, 
iiabits and opinions. ***** * 

I was acquainted with Col. A. D. Streight, and consider his conduct 
towards rebel officers, and others visiting the prison, as ungentlemanly and 
unbecoming an officer of the United States. In no respect do I consider him 
more loyal, just, or officer-like in his behavior than Col. Sanderson. 

I never heard in Libby of Col. Sanderson betraying any plan for escape to 
the rebels, bnt know that he was aware of the existence of the " tunnel " at 
least one week before my escape, from the fact of personal consultation with 
him on the subject. After I arrived home I heard of Col. Sanderson's arrest, 
and talked with many Officers (ex-prisoners) in regard to it, and they all con- 
sidered it unjust and cowardly in his accusers, and not one of them spoke of 
him in any other way than as an injured man, arrested without the slightest 
cause. 

I acconfpanied Col. Sanderson to Belle Island, and during my stay there he 
treated the men with all kindness possible. ***** 

I remember many instances of his furnishing money to his comrades, and also 
of his troubling himsePf on their account, particularly in carrying packages 
and messages to the men at Belle Island. 

I knew Brig. Gen. Neal Dow, and did not consider him more patriotic or 
•more honorable in his conduct than Col. Sanderson, and certainly not so gen- 
tlem inly ; had frequently heard while confined in prison that Gen'l Dow kept 
■what we called there " a black list," consisting of the names of officers who, 
for trivial offeases, he, when we should be released, was to have court-martialed 
and dismissed the service. 

I never, while in prison, heard of his lending money to his comrades. 

I was acquainted with Capt. Atwood, and he had the reputation of being 
very quarrelsome and (Msagreeable, and was constantly engaged in difficulties 
'while cooking in the kitchen, and continually calling Col. Sanderson to settle 
trivial and iinnecessary quarrels. 

, Col. Sanderson, on his entrance into the prison, undertook the systematizing 
of our cooking and commissary affairs, which were in a very unsatisfactory 
•condition, and I believe that everything he did in regard to them was done in 
an impartial manner, and every gentleman thanked him for it. The position 
Was extremely disagreeable and well calculated to make enemies for one who, 
■did his duty impartially, particularly of persons of selfish dispositions. * * * 



FROM Capt. GEO. H. STARR. 
[With N. Y. Vols.] 

* * Was taken prisoner on the 1st July, 1863, at the battle of Gettysburg, and 
escaped from prison at Columbia, S. C, on the 10th October, 1864, reaching 
■oar lines at Knoxville, Tenn., on the 13th November, having travelled about 



xxvin 

400 miles. At the Libby Prison I first became acquainted with Lt.-Col. James 
M. Sandkksox, and occupied quarters in the same room with him during the 
whole of his imprisonment. * * * * * * « 

Soon after he appeared among us, he was made Director of the Kitchen De- 
pannent, and for many months used earnest and assiduous efforts to organize 
and systematize the cooking and messing arrangements of the prison, which 
efforts were very praiseworihy, and certainly resulted very beneficially. The 
position was not a desirable one, and occasioned grumbling and fault-finding 
among the lawless and selfish, but was properly appreci;ited by the majority. 

The Colonel did many generous and friendly acts to his brother officers by 
loaning money and other articles, which acts are held by many in grateful re- 
membrance. 

There were nimois about the prison, especially after the Colonel had gone, 
that he had been instrumental in betraying some plan of escape to the rebels ; 
but many of his friends who heard of it, interested themselves in tracing this 
rumor to its source, and never c(uild learn wiiat was the plan of escipe so frus- 
trated, nor even the least grounds to jusiify such a story. * * * 

Being engaged in distributing clothing, &c., to our soldiers, and thus being 
obliged to leave the prison daily to go to Belle Island, it gave occasion to his 
enemies to talk about collusion with the rebels, and to circulate stories which 
were never credited by sensible men, for the Colonel was only acting in the 
line of his duty, and never to my knowledge, left the prison without a guard. 



FROM Capt. J. MARCHE McCOMAS. 
[6b. 1, 9lh Maryland Vols.] 

Was captured on the 1 8th day of October, at Charlestown, Va., and arrived 
at Libby Prison. Richmond, on the 26ih same month, and was released therefrom 
on the 16th of March. 1 arrived at Annapolis the 18th of the same month. I 
thought at the lime of my release, and still think, that through the intercession 
of Lt.-Colonel SANDt;KS0X I was paroled. 1 was intimately acquainted with 
Col. Sanderson, occupying the same room with him — the east room — for nearly 
five months. I have conversed with him often, and never heard him say any- 
thing in regard to the rebellion, but that he sustained the Government at. 
Washington. 

The Colonel was very gentlemanly in his manners, and courteous to those 
that showed respect to his position as an United States officer. So far as I am 
able to judge be would compare favorably with his brother officers. * * * * 

I accompanied the Colonel to Belle Island on one occasion. It was throngh. 
him I was permitted to visit the Island of Death, and see lor the last time my 
suffering boys. He was very gentlemanly towards me, and all he came in con- 
tact with on that occasion. I never heard him make use of profane language ; 
on the contrary, I always thought his manners very acceptable to gentlemen,, 
not to others. I have known him to interest himself to obtain boxes for his 
fellow prisoners and succeed; and advance them money to relieve their wants.. 



XXIX 

FROM Capt. H. E. RULON. 
ICapt. Co. B.IU Regt. Penn. Vols.] 

Was captured by the enemy at Gettysburg Pa., on the evening of July 2d, 
1863, arrived at Libby Prison, Richmond Va., July ISth, from which place I 
was released March 14th. ISGl. 

I know Lt. Col. Jamks M. Sandkrsox, having been confined with him upwards 
of six months in the above prison. ****** 

* * * * * I was cognizant of his efforts to organize 

and systematize the cooking arrangements of the prison. His efforts in this par- 
ticular were very beneficial and praiseworthy, the position was a very dilficult 
and trying one, and Col. Sanderson filled it with justice and impartiality. I 
have heard a charge made against Lt. Col. Sanderson, of having betrayed a plan 
of escape to tbe Rebel Authorities. It obtained very little credence among the 
•officers ; it was never substantiated, and I never heard any one willing to prove 
it. or make the charge to Col. Sanderson personally. ***** 

I have known Col. Sanderson to loan money to officers in distress. I know 
Capt. Atwood, he was known latterly as a bitter enemy to Col. Sanderson ; he 
was not regarded as an agreeable person, but quite the reverse. 1 know A. D. 
Streight, to the best of my knowledge, he bore a very good character as an 
officer and a gentleman. He was known to be an enemy of Col. Sanderson. I 
<lid consider him more loyal than Col. Sanderson, from the fact that he 
openly expressed his hatred for the Rebels in very strong language, yet I did not 
•consider him more gentlemanly or more kind than Col. Sanderson, the above, 
in my opinion, equally applies to Ex-Brig. Gen. Neal Dow. I left the prison 
with Gen. Dow, he brought away with him two large trunks, I did not hear any 
rumors as to their contents. ******* 



FROM Acting Master FENTRESS, U. S. N. 

* * * "Was captured in Mississippi, Sept. 12, 1863, and arrived at Libby Prison 
October 1,1863. I remained in Libby until May 6, 1864, when I was sent 
South. During my stay in Richmond I was quartered near to Lt.-Col. J. M. 
Sanderson, and was in daily communication with him. I always found him 
gentlemanly in his deportment, and a firm supporter of the Government in all 
its measures. As an officer he was, certainly, far superior to the m;)jority con- 
fined in Libby. 

In October, he took charge of the culinary department, and by his energy 
and knowledge of those things, (which but few knew anything about,) systema- 
tized that department, thereby rendering a most important service to his 
brother officers. His position was a most difficult one while in charge of that 
department, and among the unruly he had many enemies. Sometime about 
the 9th of October, Col. S. and myself were sent to the hospital ; we were 
placed near each other while there, and I never saw him in conver.-^ation with 
any rebel officer or soldier. He lelt the hospital in a few days, and was again 
taken to Libby. About three days after he left, I myself was taken to prisor» 



XXX 

and for the first time heard that some one had betrayed a plot of eseape. No. 
one ever spoke of Lt.Col Sandersox as the betrayer. It was generally known 
that a fellow, by name Vermillion, who was acting as nurse in the hospital^ 
betrayed the plan to the surgeon in charge. I know this Vermillion ; he was. 
not an officer ; I think he was a sutler when captured, and I always took him ta 
be a bad man. 

I knew of the plot to escape, and was to command a party of naval men, in 
surprising a rebel gunboat near the prison, but 1 know that nothing was to be- 
undertaken until our Government was informed of the plan, and co-operate witK 
us. 

I knew Colonel Streight ; he was considered by all the officers confined m, 
Libby as a great blusterer. He had several quarrels with Col. S-indrrson^ 
and was disposed to make trouble whenever opportunity occurred. I have fre^ 
quently heard Col. Streight express himself in a most unofficerlike and ungentle-, 
manly manner, when speaking of the "neglect of prisoners'' by the Federal 
Government. 

I also knew Neal Dow, Esq., (ex-Brig.-General.) He was regarded in prison 
as a fanatic, who twice a week gave lectures on temperance, when even water- 
was most difficult to obtain. 

Strange rumors were afloat in prison concerning quantities of sanitary stores. 
appropriated by the General for his mess. ***** 

By Colonel Saxdkrson's gentlemanly conduct while in prison, he won the. 
esteem of many ofiBcers ; and even the brutal keepers of the prison were com- 
pelled to acknowledge his superiority, and grant his requests at times. Those- 
requests were always made for the comfort of his brother officers. 

I consider the loyalty of Lt.-Col. James M. Sanderson as unimpeachable. 'Tis 
true he had not the bluster of Col. Streight. nor the whine of Neal Dow, Esq-^. 
but, I think, is as true as either. 



FROM Capt. E. McB. TIMONEY, 

[_l5th U. S. Lifaniry.] 

***** Was captured on the 20th Sept., 1863, at. 
the battle of Chicamauga; was held a prisoner seven months and ten days,anc| 
was paroled by the rebel authorities of Libby prison on the 30th day of April,, 
1864. . * * * * «■ 

I knew Lt. Col. James M. Sanderson. * * * * 

So far as I am capable of judging he is one of the most gentlemanly men 
that I have ever seen. During the time that we were confined together I never 
knew him to act in any manner unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. I 
don't think I ever heard him use a profane or vulgar expression, and as a gen- 
tleman and an officer he was superior to the mass of his fellow prisoners. As 
an honest loyal man I never met his superior in Libby prison. * * * 

I knew of his teachings and services as Director of the Kitchen of the East 

room. They were very valuable. Through his kindness and experience we 

^ were made ten times more comfortable than we would otherwise have beeo. 



XXXI 

The position was a thankless and disagreeable one, and no man unless he pos- 
sessed a kind and sympathetic heart, would have held the position a week, and, 
have to deal with the discordant elements confined in Libby prison. The posi- 
tion could not fail to create many enemies among the selfish and the quarrel- 
some. 

I first met Col. Sanderson on the 2d Nov. He asked me if I was one of the 
Chicamauga prisoners, and if there was anything be could do for me and my 
brother officers. I told him that the rebels had taken, our money from us and 
that we had nothing. The Colonel then said "I will see if I can't do something.. 
or you," and on the next day he gave me one hundred dollars. He appeared, 
to sympathize very much with us, and told me to tell ray brother officers that 
he hoped they would not hesitate to come to him for help, as he would gladly, 
give up all be could spare. In addition to this kindness to myself, quite a 
number of officers told me of similar acts of kindness. ***** 
There was a difficulty between Col. Sanderson and Col. Streight prior to my 
arrival at Libby prison. I heard a great many officers speak of it, and say that 
they thought Col. Streight had acted in a very rude and insulting manner to 
Col. Sanderson; from all I could learn Col. Streight was the aggressor. 

I met Col. Streight nearly every day for seven months. Since his exchange he- 
has been killed in battle, if he was alive I could answer the question (as to his 
being a gentlemen and a soldier) fully. As it is I can simply say that Col. 
Streight was not an officer that I would care about numbering with my friends, 
as I did not esteem him as a courageous or prudent officer. 

I heard that Col. Sanderson intended bringing charges against him for a vio- 
lation of the 26th Art. of the Army Regulations, and for the cowardly surrender 
of his command in Georgia, which was severely criticized by every officer of 
intelligence and experience that I have ever conversed with on the subject. * * 
The officer in command at Belle Island treated every Federal visitor there, as 
far as my knowledge extends, with great kindness and hospitality, and I believe 
that if the government and sole care of the prisoners on Belle Island had been, 
entrusted to him. there would have been no cause of complaint so far as treat- 
ment was concerned. ***** 

Col. Streight being dead I cannot answer as to the contrast between him and 
Col. Sanderson in their intercourse with Rebel Officers, as I would were he 
living. 

One of the first things I learned on arriving at Libby Prison was that Col. 
Sanderson had offered a reward to any officer who would make his escape and 
carry intelligence to our Government of the reinforcement of Bragg by Long- 
street. 

I do not remember of Col. Sanderson having lent money to one or more offi- 
cers to enable them to effect their escape through the tunnel. But I do know 
that he offered me and other officers money for the purpose of bribing the 
guard on other occasions, if we thought we could effect our escape, and have ■ 
held frequent conversations with him on the subject. 

I did know Capt. Atwood, he was generally looked upon as what is known 
in the army by the term "striker "' and was always regarded as a very quarrel- . 
some and disagreeable per.=on. 



XXXII 

I did not consider Gen. Dowasmjie loyal to his country than Col. Saxdkusox, 
and of the two, Col. SANDEitsoN was the most kind and attentive lo the wants ot 
bis fellow prisoners. 

I never knew Col. Sanderson to refuse any one a favor, if in his power to 
grant it, and I have known him to treat his enemies among the prisoners, with 
as much kindness as his friends. 

I was present at the McKee meeting, the whole aftair was gotten up by the 
enemies of Col. Sanderson for the avowed purpose of injuring his character, 
and was discountenanced by every high toned oflRcers and gentleman in the 
prison. The meeting was gotten up, in Col. Sanderson's absence on Belle Island, 
and on his return he demanded a copy of the charges, but the ten or twelve 
men who tried to have a set of resolutions passed at the meeting were so 
ashamed of their own conduct that he was unable to obtain a copy. 

The charges against him were not sustained by the slightest attempt at evi- 
dence, and when even his enemies demanded proof to sustain tlie alleged 
charges, the authors of the affair were not able to give any ; and, although Col- 
Sandersox".s friends were there accidentally, they out-voted and defeated his ene- 
mies by a large majority, and the whole affair was regarded by every high-toned 
gentleman as a cowardly and disreputable attempt to injure an officer by a trap 
•during his absence. * * * * « « • 

To the best of my recollection it was not cold enough to freeze a man's ex- 
tremities before the 25th December. 1 dou't think we had cold weather be- 
fore the first week in January. 

No officer, to my knowledge, did more to alleviate the discomforts of his 
fellow-prisoners than C9I. Sanderson. I shall always remember his kindness 
towards myself and brother officers with gratitude, as I believe, the preserva- 
tion of our health was, in a great measure, due to him. 

I saw him when he left the prison ; he did not carry anything away but a 
■shawl. Everything he had, clothing and subsistence, was given by him to bis 
messmates. 

I also saw General Neal Dow when he left the prison. I was tuld by quite 
a number of officers that the General carried away two large boxes contiining 
clothing, subsistence and blankets. I saw boxes belonging to him carried out 
of the prison, and lor some time afterwards it was a subject of general remark 
among ihe ofiicers. 

I do not think any officer justified, under any known circumstances, in carry- 
ing away blankets, or even books, knowing how many of hi^ comrades were 
sufifering for want of them. In fact. I cannot see how it was possibli' (or him tn 
do so wbeu there were so many < fficers in want, and without the opportunities 
that most of us had for obtaining supplies from the North, nearly one hundred 
-of our number being from Tenne,-see and other places near the enemy's lines, 
whence they could not obtain supplies. 



XXXI II 

FROM Capt. J. F. SKELTON". 
[llih Eer/t. Iowa Vols. Infi'y.y 

Was wounded and captured at Jackson, Miss., on the 14th day of Maj^, 1863;. 
and remained in Libby Prison until I made my escape on the 11th Dec^by 
bribing a rebel sentinel. ****** » 

During my imprisonment with Lt. Col. Sandkrsox, I always regarded, and! 
respected him as an officer and a gentleman of both moral and military 
worth, this gained for him many friends, and he was generally esteemecE 
by my acquaintances. I regard him as as a true and loyal man. I never heard 
him express himself unfavorable or do an act against the Government, ancl 
whilst other officers were expressing themselves against the Administration^ for 
allowing the prisoners to remain in Rebel hands, he ever seemed patient and 
had no feeling against the Federal Administration, and often rebuked officers 
for denouncing it. While in the hospital, although sick himself, to my positive 
knowledge he was constantly attending to the wants of our sick and wounded 
prisoners, dividing his provisions, and giving money to purchase such luxu-rie.s 
as were to be had. When he left the hospital, ho divided what provisions he- 
had among the most needy. When leaving the hospital, he was asked by one- 
of the prisoners, in my hearing, why he returned to the prison so soon, he said 
that there were others, sick and suftering more than himself, and that his bed 
was needed for them. While in the hospital his conduct was such as to gaia 
for him the esteem of every Federal Officer in it ; at least, such were the expres- 
sions of all so far as I have ever heard. When Col. Saxderson revealed' to me a 
plan to escape, I know that he was not overheard by any of the Rebel Authori- 
ties, nor by Federal prisoners. 

I never heard a Federal officer in the prison say that he suspected Col. San- 
derson of revealing this plot to the Rebel Authorities. So far as my acquaint- 
ance extended, it was generally believed that William L. Vermillion was- the- 
party who divulged the plot 



FROM Lieut. P. OWEN" JONES;. 
1st Lieut, cfc Adjutant, 2d N. Y. Cav: 

Was captured on the 22d of September, 1863, at Liberty Mills, Ya., and was-- 
released on parole from Libby prison on the 7th of March, 1864. I was person- 
ally and intimately acquainted with Lt." Col. James M. Saxdeeson. * * * 
* * * I always estimated and regarded him as one of the most gentlemanly,, 
courteous, and obliging officers confined in the prison. I never knew of his 
having used profane, vulgar or indecent language ; on the contrary, I am 
decidedly of the opinion that much of the ill-feeling entertained towards him 
by the selfish and more ignorant portion of the prisoners arose principally, if not 
altogether, from his universally dignified bearing ; so far as ray observatiou 
went, he was at all times treated with respect, and highly regarded by a decided 
majority of the intelligent portion of the prisoners. 

His manners, habits, and general conduct were those of the most polished 



XXXIV 

gentleman, and this under the most trying circumstances, i.e. during his admin- 
istration of the kitchen department of the East Room — a delicate and trying 
position which he filled eminently to the satisfaction of all with whom I ever 
had any conversation on the subject. In my opinion, his services in system- 
atizing and conducting this affair were of the most beneficial and servicable 
character, and entitle him to the lasting gratitude of all who were so unfortun- 
ate as to be confined in Libby prison at that time. * * * * 
I never entertained a very favorable opinion of Col. Streight ; his peculiar 
views on the subject of religion, &c., were such as to preclude the posibility of 
my regarding him with much favor ; but have not the slightest animosity 
against him watever. He was, I believe, regarded as the chief circulatiog 
medium (if not the author) of unfavorable reports against Col. Saxdeiison. 

* * * I accompanied Col. Sanderson on one occasion to Belle Island, and 
had ample opportunity of judging for myself as to his manner of issuing cloth- 
ing to the men, as well as his general treatment of them, both by personal 
ob.servation and conversation with the men, and the result was I was completely 
satisfied that his method of conducting this business was most wise and judi- 
cious, and that no better system could have been devised. I know of his 
having punished men, and I also know that in every case brought to my notice 
the recipient eminently deserved it, for a more lawless and demoralized set of 
men I never saw ; such a concentrated essence of rowdyism I hope never iigain 
to come iu contact with. I never heard of his having punished any man for 
refusing to salute him or neglecting to take the position of a soldier. 

I never I'egarded his intercourse with the rebel authorities, either on the 
Island or elsewhere, as being more intimate than was perfectly proper and 
strictly loyal. I have not the slightest hesitancy in saying, in the most unquali- 
fied manner, that he was the means of mitigating in no small degree the suffer- 
ings, and ministering to the wants of his fellow prisoners, much more so than 
any other individual on the Distributing Committee. * * * * 

Iknow Capt. Atwood. I do not regard him as a gentleman or man of honor, 
lior would I believe him in any case where his personal enmity or interests were 
iavolved. I know of his having circulated slanderous reports against Col 
Sanderson. 

I never regarded Gen'l Neal Dow as a very distinguished military man, but 
rather as an intermeddling, fussy and antiquated old gentleman. * * * 
In conclusion, I beg to say, that I esteem it a privilege to be allowed to testify 
in defence of one whom I believe to have been most cruelly and unjustly 
■wronged ; and who is the victim of a most unscrupulous persecution on the 
part of a few envious and narrow minded individuals who have been actuated 
more by personal enmity than by a regard for the best interests of our country, 
or the service. I cannot close this statement without testifying to the number- 
less acts of kindness performed by Col. Sanderson towards his fellow prisoners. 
I have yet to learn of an instance where he refused anything that was in his 
power to do or to give, either to friend or foe, when applied to. I know of 
several instances when he furnished money to aid his fellow prisoners to 
•scape. 



' XXXV 

FROM Lieut. L. B. COMINS, 
1st Lieut. 4th Mass. Aii'y. 

"Was captured at Bacheler's Creek, near Newbern, N. C, Febuary ]st, 1864, 
and was carried into Richmond, and was confined in Libby prison until 
April 30tL, 1864. I knew Lt. Col. James M. Sanderson ; I became acquainted 
with bim at Lynnfield, Mass., where he was acting as Quartermaster of the 
22d Mass. Vols., to which I was then attached as private Secretary of the then 
Colonel Hon. Henry Wilson. I never saw him act in a cruel, tyrannical, or 
unjust manner to the men, and never recollect to have heard him use profane 
or abusive language to any one there, or in Libby prison. His reputation as a 
gentleman and officer was generally good. I have heard his character decried 
by men who were known as his enemies. My quarters were among the officers 
kuown as "Streight's men." 

I know Col. A. D. Streight ; he was known as an avowed enemy of Col. San- 
derson. He was very abusive and profane in his language, and was generally 
regarded as a "great bully." I know Brig. Gen. Neal Dow, but did not regard 
him as more courteous, more humane, or more loyal than Col. Sanderson ; he 
-certainly was not as generous, as kind, or as considerate of his companions as 
C!ol. Sanderson. He was noted for his selfishness, having a great pile of 
blankets for his own use while other officers were without any. He is reported 
to have carried away with him everything which he claimed to be his. I have 
heard it stated that he carried away blankets, subsistence and medicines. Col. 
Sanderson carried away with him a shawl and haversaci\ ; he left with his 
comrades a number of articles ; to me he gave a blanket. I never saw anything 
in Col. Sanderson's conduct to justify a charge of cruelty, inhumanity, or bar- 
barity to any one, and never for a moment doubted his loyalty. 



FROM SIiMON GAVACAN, 

Lieut. Zdth N. Y. Vols. 
Do state on honor, that I knew Lt. Col. James M. Sanderson when he was 
engaged as Superintendent of the New-York Hotel, and I never heard or knew 
of his acting unjustly, partially or cruelly to any one under him. He was 
always strict and severe in his discipline, but never cruel. I have subsequeutly 
met him under heavy fire at Fredericksburg, and always deemed h'm a brave 
and loyal officer. 



FROM LiEL'T. Wm. McEVOY. 

IM llPs. Cav'y.] 
* * ♦ * * * * 

I do not know the cause of the enmity between yourself and Ge;i. Dow, but 
would judge it to have arisen from your undertaking to deliver the clothing, as 
up to that time I never learned of any disagreement between you. 

There is no one who has been with the General in prison, but knows that he 
was very pettish, and when these rumors came to his eais, lie exorti^d himself, 
•to a great extent, to find out what he could.^And in jnstict- !o Gen. Dow, though 



XXXVI 

he may have wronged you, I believe the old man's fault was more of the bead 
than heart. He was goaded by the Rebels, and would catch hold of anything 
to show their rascality, and your position was such that it placed yon 
between the two fires. Yourself and others were aware that your mode of 
living caused you a good many enemies. I believe they called the mess yo** 
were in "the Royal Family,-' and the fact that you had plenty to eat and to- 
■wear — in a place whex-e bread and clothing were such objects, was sufficient to. 
excite the envy of little minded men ; and, unfortunately for you, these men 
found the ear of Gen. Dow open to their suggestions and opinions, and it is my 
opinion that if you had had ragged trowsers and but one shirt, you would likely 
have come oif scot free. 

AVith regard to the General's action in keeping and oversupply of blankets^ 
I never paid any attention to it. Capt. Adam Dixon told me that he had some 
fourteen or fifteen, and that he asked him (Dow) to let him have a grey one to 
make a rebel suit to escape with, but ,that the old General would not let 
him have it. Dixon also told me at Columbia, S. C, that the General would not 
give an officer in Libby a blanket, but informed him that he expected Gen. 
ScammoD, whom he expected to share with. I am aware the old General was 
selfish in some matters, but selfishness developed itself in the most of us 
in some shape or the other. The only thing that seemed to me that was wrong 
in Gen. Dow, was that, while he was doing all in his power to eff'ect a special ex- 
change for himself, he would preach to us the necessity of us dying in prison be- 
fore yielding to the demands of the Rebels. 

As to the course which Capt. Atwood has taken, I know nothing more than 
that he was a great friend of yours once, and done all your cooking, and fell 
out with you because you would not give him wine, so the story went in Libby. 
If he has taken the advantage of you, it should learn you a lesson, although 
you are old, that is, to be a little more careful in selecting your cooks in 
future. 

Now my dear Colonel, my own honest conviction is, that you are neither a 
thief nor a traitor. I saw you in prison from Sept. '6.3, until you were ex- 
changed, and saw nothing in your manner, nor heard any charge brought 
against you to make me think otherwise. 

I would feel proud to have it to say that all the officers had conducted them- 
selves in such a gentlemanly manner as you did ; it would reflect an honor on 
us as a body of officers. Your courtesy was the means of Turner and others 
paying you atU'ntion, and their doing so made you enemies in the prison. 



FROM Lieut. D. J. CONNOLLY. 
[lih Beg. V. li. C, U. S. A.] 

Was captured at the Battle of Gettysburg, 2d July, 1SG3, and was a prisoner 
of War at Libby Prison, Richmond, Va., for a period of eight months, and was 
released on parole on the 7th day of March 1864. I was acquainted with Lt.- 



XXXVII 

'Col. James M. S.vNDERSO-v, ***** 

'1 have known Capt. Atwood, and of his having had a difficulty with Lt.-Col. 

■ Sanderson, after which he was never a friend of Col. S. 

I Ijnow Col. A. D. Streight by sight and by reputation, he had the reputa- 
tion of being a very violent and excitable ofScer, and of using profane and ua- 
gentlemanly language to his fellow-prisoners in his conversation with them. 
There were rumors floating round the prison to the effect that Col. Streight 
surrendered his command in a very unjustifiable and unsoldier-like manner. 
He was the principle character in getting up an indignation meeting among the 
officers in the upper East room, for the purpose of denouncing Cols. Sanderson 
and Tilden. He was known to be a bitter and unscrupulous enemy of Lt.-Col. 
S. He was reported to be the originator of a story to the effect that Lt.-Col. S., 
was the betrayer of the plot to escape to the Rebel authorities. Such charge 
was, however, never substantiated, nor was there ever an attempt to do so. I 
have heard, and know and seen Lt.-Col. Sanderson lend money to his needy 
comrades. I have heard it remarked among the officers that Lt.-Col. S., had 
lent money to some of the ofiScers to enable them to escape through the tunnel. 

I knew Brig.-Gen. Neal Dow, by sight and by reputation. I have heard of 
his keeping a " black list " of the names of his fellow-prisoners who had in any 
way misbehaved, or who had enjoyed themselves by talking loud at night, &c. 
There was a rumor afloat among the prisoners to the effect that he (Gen. Dow) 
was captured in a manner which showed negligence and carelessness on his 
part. I have heard officers, Who were released at the same time with Gen. Dow, 
say, that he took away with him all his food and eatables in two large boxes, 
when he was going away from prison, which was considered a gross act of in- 
humanity considering the then needy and distressed condition of the prisoners. 

I have never thought Gen. Dow or Col. Streight were more loyal, humane or 
courteous gentleman than Lt.-Col. Sanderson. 



FROM Lt. HARLAND RICHARDSON, 
[2d! Lieut. IWi Lid. Vols-I 

Was captured at the battle of Gettysburg, in Pennsylvania, July 1, 1863. I 
was paroled at Columbia, S. C, on December 8, 1864. 1 was well acquainted 
with Lt. Col. J. M. Sanderson. * * On several occasions 

I knew of the Colonel lending money to his distressed comrades and fellow- 
prisoners, and doing all in his power to better their condition. 

I know that Col. Sanderson rendered much valuable service in the Kitchen 
Department of our prison, in systematising and regulating that department ; and 
that he was painstaking, industrious, and forbearing, and that his position was 
a trying and difficult one, causing much enmity on the part of the lawless and 
'insubordinate. His conduct was just and impartial to all men while engaged in 
his official duties, in my opinion ; and by his promptness, firmness, and disci- 
pline, he added much to the comfort and regularity of that important point of 
prison life — the meals. I know there was a band of selfish and quarrelsome 



xxxvm 

characters who did everythinjj in their pon'er to impede Col. Sanderson and' 
others in their efforts to establish system and order in the prison. * * 

Col. Sanderson was frequently referred to as an arbiter of the disputes arising 
in the Kitchen Departineut of the prison. I knew Col. Streight, but I knew but 
little about him. He was one of the prisoners with the rest of us ; but, so far- 
as I knew, be was not more of a gentleman, more humane, or more loyal than 
Col. Sanderson. I know, or at least have strong reasons for believing, that Col. 
Streight was a personal enemy of Col. Sandehson. * * * 

I knew Neal Dow, Brig.-Gen. — he was not considered more kind or patriotic 
than Col. Sanderson. I never heard of him lending money or putting himself to 
any trouble in any way to belter the condition of his fellow-prisoners. I knew 
of his taking two trunks away from Libby Prison, supposed to contain blankets 
and provisions ; and I think there was not at any time more blankets or provi- 
sions in the prison than was necessaiy for the comfort of the prisoners. In fact, 
there were prisoners there all the time suffering lor the want of these articles. 
I never knew Col. Sanderson to convey any thing of the kind away ; but, on. 
the other hand, 1 know that he left blankets and provisions with the officers, 
when he left the prison. 

I knew Capt. Atwood, and I recollect one instance in which he got Col. San- 
derson into a difficulty with other officers, and I know that he was a bitter 
enemy of Col. Sanderson. 



FROM Lt. GEO. D. BRISBEE. 

[2di/. Co. C, I5th llaineVols.'] 

I was captured at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 18G3, and have been a prisoner in 
the hands of the rebels ever since that time till December 9, 1864, when I was 
paroled by the Confederate authorities at Columbia, S. C. 

I knew Lt. Col. James M. Sanderson ; I first met him in Libby Prison ; I was 
quartered in the same room and the same portion of the room with him. I was . 
in the same mess with him a portion of the time. 

I knew Capt. Atwood, of the IGth Maine Vols.— he was considered quarrel- 
some and a tale-bearer, lie was constantly embroiling Col. Sanderson in use- 
less and embarrassing difficulties in the kitchen by his tattling and selfish dispo-- 
sition. He was finally known as a bitter and unscrupulous enemy of Col. San- 
derson. 

♦ ****** 

I knew of Col. Sanderson advancing his money to his needy fellow-prisoners 
and shariiuj Ids fare with those loho were more needy. 

I was present when Gen. Neal Dow left the prison—he carried two large 
trunks with him. I did ijot see the contents. I heard it said they contained 
blankets. 



XXXIX 

FROM Lt. R. C. KNAGGS, 
[1st Lt. tfc Aicl-de-Camp to Br'uj.-Gen. Henry Baxter.'] 

Was captured on the 1st of July, 18G3, at the battle of Gettysburg, and re- 
mained a prisoner in the hands of the Rebels at Libby Prison, until released 
on parole, March 7, 1864. I knew Lt. Col. J. M. Sanderson — was as intimate 
with hiin as an officer of my rank could expect to be. He was very gentle- 
manly, courteous, and kind — even to conferring favor on those who dislikeil 
him. He was continually being called on, by nearly all, at different times, to 
alh'viate the suflerings of his fellow-prisoners ; and I never heard of his refus- 
ing any one of his brother officers a favor, if in his power to grant it. For in- 
stance, at the time of our release, when on the Flag of Truce boat, New-Ytyrlc, 
great f.iult being found with the accommodations furnished us, Lt. Col. S., by 
tacit consent, was selected as the proper person to represent his brother officers, 
although by no means the ranking officer present, and obtained the necessary 
redress. lie even loaned money to his brother officers, who were destitute to- 
pay fur the meals that they were obliged to purchase. 

He invariably used all the influence he possessed for the purpose of mitigat- 
ing the horrors of prison life. 

The position of Culinary Director (a very disagreeable one) was voted bin* 
by officers of the higher grade. I considered his teachings most valuable, and, 
if properly carried out,_would have coudnced much to the comfort of those 
concerned. His whole time, for some months, was devoted to the organizatioa 
and carrying out his plans, and was only abandoned in consequence of some of 
the junior officers becoming insubordinate. 

He was not in the habit of using vulgar or profane language to his comrades, 
and his deportment was that of a true gantleman in every sense of the word- 
I never heard him say one word adverse to the Government or its measures, or 
anything that could be construed as favorable to the Confederacy, or its institu^ 
tions ; but, on the contrary, he ever in his language and general deportment, 
gave evidence of his entire loyalty to the U. S. Government. 

He was very popular generally as an officer, and his society and favor was 
courted by officers of inferior and, in some cases, superior rank. His style of • 
living was such as to provoke comment from the envious and jealous-minded, 
althcuighhe owed none of its advantages to any other than himself, as they weye 
the result of his own knowledge and tact. 

I was aware of a difficulty existing between Col.Streight andLt. Col. S.— and 
the general opinion was that Col. Streight was the aggressor. I was not present 
at any of the meetings called in reference to the difficulty. I met Col. Streight 
very frequently and have spoken with him at different times, but was not inti- 
mate witti him ; but, from my observations of his actions, I believe him to be 
of a tyrannical and overbearing disposition, very profane in his language, and 
with but few characteristics that would designate tho gentleman. I heard Lt; 
Col. S. say that his intentions were to bring charges against Col. S., for violating 
certain A -my Regulations, and for a cowardly surrender of his command to the 
enemy. 

I knew Capt. Atwood very well. In my opinion, he was the means of institut- 
ing or circulating many slanders against Lt. Col. S. He, in many instances, 
drew Lt. Col. S. into disputes with his brother-officers in regard to who had a 



XL 

right to the cooking stoves. Capt. A. was of a quarrelsome disposition, very 
apt to find fault when there was no cause whatever. He was noted for his sel- 
■fishness, and had but very few friends either in or out of prison. 

I was quite intimate with Brig.-Gen. N. Dow (that was.) 1 never considered 
^im any very great honor to the uniform he did wear (which consisted of a Cap- 
taia's coat and a Private's pantaloons,) or the Service, as evidently his Forie was 
not that of a military man, but that of a Temperance lecturer. 

He was not noted for his amiability or his generosity. During my whole term 
of imprisonment, I never knew_him to do one single kind action, or to assist in 
anyway or shape whatever towards alleviating the sufferings of his com- 
panions. 

He was the possessor of two large packing trunks and a large number of 
"blankets ; and, when asked by me one day previous to his exchange, what his 
Intentions were as regarded the trunks and blankets, he very coolly informed 
me that all he had he should certainly take with him. Said I: "General, you 
cannot carry them — how will you get them to the boat?" [distance some half- 
mile.] "Oh,-' said he, " I will get some of the other officers to assist me." I 
only state the foregoing to show how extremely selfish the General was, when 
there were plenty of officers who, up to the the time I left, had not even a 
blanket they could call their own, and would have blessed him ten thousand 
times for what he took away and what he did not need after his arrival in 
" God's country,'" more than a toad Avould require two tails I also wish to state, 
that all rumors (of which the prison was full, all the time) that came to his no- 
tice, to the disadvantage of Lt. Col. S. or others, (the former, more particularly) 
iie noted in his memoranda book ; and would also make inquiries of his brother- 
.officers about the same person, in order to ascertain something to his disadvan- 
tage. He was not only meddlesome in the affairs of others, but was so ex- 
tremely anxious to get something to write down, that he would get into an ar- 
gument with some one and pick up what little things the man might have said 
tinwittingly and book them preparatory to a settlement after their release. This 
has been told to me. 

I did not consider Gen. Neal Dow in every respect so truly loyal as Lt. Col. 
Sanderson. I formed this opinion from what I saw and heard while confined 
with them as a prisoner. 

Lt. Col. Saxdekson left, when released, nearly everything for the benefit of 
those who remained in prison — all his blankets, medicines, tools, etc., only 
bringing with him a haversack and shawl. 

The distribution of the Sanitary Commission Svipplies was placed under the 
supervision of Capt. E. A. Fobes, C. S., without Lt. Col. S. being cognizant of 
the fact i and I believe that the stores were distributed equally, with the excep- 
tion (as I have been told, by Capt. Fobes himself) that Col di Cesnola and Brig.- 
Gen. Neal Dow received rather more than anyone else — the latter pleading desti- 
tvdion. 

I think the cold weather did not come until the latter part of the month of 
December. 



XLI 

FROM Lieut. THOMPSON LENNIG, 
[2d Lieut. 6lh Penn. Cav''y.'] 
Captured June 9th, 1863, at Brandy Station ; confined in Libby i)rison from 
June 10th, 1853, to March 14th, 18G4. 

Lt. Col. James M. Sanderson arrived at Libby prison about five or six weeks 
after myself, and I was only slightly acquainted with him until he joined the 
mess composed of Capt. E. A. Fubes, Capt. R. O. Ives, and myself. 

I always heard Col. Sandeuson spoken of by the better class of officers as one 
who maintained his position as an officer and a gentleman. He never, in my 
hearing, made use of profane, vulgar or abusive language, and was not distrusted 
by the officers of my acquaintance on account of supposed disloyalty. I 
believe that Col. Sanderson stood as high in the estimation of a majority of the 
prisoners as any officer of equal rank. 

I never heard Col. Sandeuson express any sentiments adverse to our Govern- 
ment, or in favor of the rebellion. We messed together nearly three months, 
and I remember distinctly having heard him condemn slavery in strong terms. 
Our mess was certainly better provided than others, but this was owing to our 
friends at home, who sent us boxes by every opijortunity, and not to the favor- 
itism of the rebels. To my certain knowledge. Col. Sanderson distributed food 
to his fellow prisoners, and lent money to these who tried to escape. I was 
confined in the same room, with Col. Streight for five months he did not gener- 
ally command that respect among his fellow-prisoners to which he was entitled 
by his rank. 

I heard officers of bis command say that his surrender of his command was 
unnecessary and premature. I was not present at the discussion between Col 
Streight and Col. Sanderson, but I heard many officers say that Col. Sanderson 
had behaved with dignity and reserve, and that Col. Streight had grossly 
insulted him. 

I did not know Brig. -Gen. Neal Dow personally, but owing to the crowded 
condition of the prison I saw him daily. Gen. Dow had no influence in the 
prison, and was often the subject of ridicule for those who forgot his rank in 
the general misery that pervaded the prison. Gen. Dow left the prison the 
same day with myself, taking with him two heavy trunks ; it was said, and 
undoubtedly believed, that he took sixteen blankets with him, sent to the prison 
by the Sanitary or Christian Commission for distribution ; at this time many 
officers were suffering from the intense cold. ***** 
Cai)t. Atwood was apt to make trouble, and carry reports from one officer to 
another, and in this way was apt to engender a bad spirit. 

Col. Sanderson on his departure left nearly everything he had for the use of 
his messmates and other friends, taking only that which was absolutely neces- 
sary. ********* ^ 

I never knew of Col. Streight's having concocted a plan of escape, and believe 
that any plan for overpowei'ing the guard would have been fool-hardy and 
resulted in great loss of life. 

I once accompanied Col. Sanderson to Belle Isle, and did not see him ill- 
treat or abuse the prisoners, I did not see him punish them for not taking the 
'iposition of a soldier. The prisoners were in a most miserable, starving condi- 



XLII 

tion, and many sold their clothes to the rebels in order to procure food, and 
afterwards tried to obtain more from Col. Sanderson', to the detriment of those 
who had not yet received any. On this account Col. Sanderson was obliged to 
enforce the strictest discipline. 



FROM Rev. W. G. SCANLAN. 
I, Wm. G. Scanlan, a Christian Minister, settled for the last seven years over 
the Unitarian parish in Grafton, Mass., was captured while acting as an agent for 
the U. S. Sanitary Commission, and confined in Libby Prison from July 20, '63 
to Sept. 2d, 1863, when I was removed to Castle Thunder until Sept. 22, having 
access to Libby twice during the last named time. During my confinement in 
Libby Lt.-Col. James M. Sanderson was brought in. I knew him well and fre- 
quently came in contract wilh him in our common efforts to improve the condi- 
tion of the officer. He being connected, if not the chief mover in, our kitchen 
organization ; while I sought his interest in our Lyceum and discussions. I never, 
in my frequent intercourse heard one word in favor of the Confederacy or 
against his General. I did consider his efforts in the kitchen valuable, and the 
position a very unthankful one, demanding patience and stability ; receiving 
from many in return suspicions of partiality and a jealousy peculiar to prison 
life, when crumbs are watched and privilges measured with a nicety unknown 
in the midst of our common blessings. Barbarity I should take to be the last 
and least element in his composition. He was always courteous and gentlemanly, 
my first impression led me to look upon him as being somewhat aristocratic 
and dignified ; he was respectful to all, and choice in his use of language. I 
never heard of his betraying any plan of the officers to escape, until after his 
release, and then only through the papers. I never doubted his loyalty, nor 
had reasons to suspect his conduct. I was also acquainted with Col. Streight, 
never sought him as a companion, because our general characters might be 
termed opposite. He was not choice in his use of language. He certainly was 
overbearing at times, and very bitter against those who differed with him. I 
should not consider him any more loyal than Col. Sanderson, not as courteous 
or humane. He was a delared opponent of Col. Sanderson long ere I left for 
Castle Thunder. 



FROM LOUIS H. BOUDRYE. 

[Chaplain of the 5ih N. Y. Cav'y.'] 

Was captured by the Rebels near Monterey Pass, Pa., July 5th, 1863, and 
confined in Libby Prison, Richmond, from 18th July to 7th Oct. 1863. 

I knew Lt.-Col. James M. Sanderson, my quarters were in the same roonx 
with his, and within ten feet of his, while I stayed in the prison. I saw him 
every day, and conversed with him frequently. His reputation as an officer 
and a gentleman was very good. He was not in the habit of using profane, 
vulgar or abusive language, and compared very favorably in manners, habits, 
and conduct with the great majority of the officers confined in Libby. I never 



XLIII 

heard him express sentiments adverse to the Government and lis measures or- 
in favor of the Confederacy and its institutions. 

Ilcnew Col. A. D. Streight. His reputation as a gentleman was very good, as. 
aa officer not so very good, there were grave charges current in the piison of 
his having surrendered his command to the enemy in a cowardly and unjusti- 
fiable manner. 

He was not, I tliink, considered more just, humane or loyal than Col. San- 

DER.SON. 

I knew of a meeting gotten up by Col. Streight and his associates for tlie 
purpose of denouncing Cols. Tilden and Sanderson, having been present at it, 
only for a short time however. 

I heard Col. Sanderson say, he intended briuging charges against him for his 
conduct in this affair. 

Col. Streight, before I left, was considered as a bitter and uncompromising 
enemy of Col. Sanderson. 

I never saw anything in Col. Sanderson's conduct to induce me to believe 
him a cruel, harsh or unjust man. 

I was cognizant of his efforts to organize and systematize the culinary arrange- 
ments of the East rooms, his labors.were constant and efficient, serving to add 
greatly to the comfort and well being of all the prisoners in that department. 
The position he held was one of great delicacy and difficulty, and well calculated 
to make enemies of the lawless, the depraved and the selfish. 

I think it was in contemplation to invite Col. Sanderson to take charge of the 
same department in the West rooms, but it was opposed and defeated by Col. 
Streight for his own selfishness. 

I knew Capt. Atwood, who was regarded as a most quarrelsome and captious 
person, constantly complaining and embroiling Col. Sanderson in numberless 
difficulties. 



STATEMENT OF ENLISTED MEN 
of the 16</i, Maine Vols. 

We hereby state on honor that we are members of the 16th Maine Inf. Vols., 
and that we were captured at the battle of Gettysburg, July 1st, 1863. and 
carried to Belle Isle, where we were confined as prisoners of war. 

We were present at the time the clothing was received from our Government 
and distributed by Col. Sanderson, and received certain articles of said cloth- 
ing. We do not know of his habitually ill-treating, abusing or insulting the 
enlisted men while issuing the clothing, or constantly addressing them with 
oaths, curses or bitter revilings. 

Did not see him or knew him to " buck or gag '' or kick them for trivial 
offences, or punish them severely for not saluting, or for refusing to take their 
bands out of their pockets. 

He did not exact of them more respect than military discipline required or 
his rank entitled him to. As far as our observation extended, he acted with„ 



XLIV 

justice and impartiality in distributing the clothing, and did not observe more 
caution than was absolutely necessary to i^revent being cheated by improper 
and dishonest men. 

There were a certain class among the prisoners known as '■' Raiders," who 
made it their business to rob the sick, and those who were unable to defend 
themselves of their clothing and rations, and in many instances ijursuing a 
most brutal course towards them, depriving them of the scanty allowances they 
po?sessed. Whenever any complaint of this character was brought to the 
notice of Col. Sandeksox, immediate steps were taken by him to punish the 
offenders, and the punishment iniilcted was no more than they deserved, and in 
some cases not sufficient. We do not know of his insulting, abusing, or punish- 
ing an enlisted man who approached him properly or respectfully. 

JOSEPH JEWELL, Co. F. 

WM. G. JONES, (his f mark), Co. D. 

PETER T. BEAN, Co. D. 



FROM C. C. FULTON, Esq., 
(Fublisher of the Baltimore American.) 

Baltimore, May 29th, 18G5. 
Col. James M. Sanderson : 

Bear Sir : — I cut the annexed letter from the file of the Baltimore American 
of date March 4th, 1864. It is the only letter I find from Mr. Cowardin in 
which your name is mentioned. Mr. Cowardin, although a rank rebel, responded 
Ipromptly to my appeal in behalf of humanity to assist in the prompt delivery 
of the supplies and money I sent to our prisoners. I received a dozen or more 
similar letters from him in 1863-4, and I always heard, from our returning 
prisoners that he was very kind and attentive to them. He was an old acquaint- 
ance, and I know possessed an influence at Richmond that could not be dis- 
'regarded. Respectfully yours, 

[Signed] C. C. FULTON. 

Mtract.'] 

R1CH.M0ND, Febuary 24th, 1864. 
^ajor John E. Mn.FORi) : 

Fortress Monroe. 



The sum $664.20 (less $20 counterfeit.)"! have placed in the hands of Lt.- 
Col. Sanderson, of 1st Corps Federal Army, for distribution, and enclose his 
receipt. The Colonel has at this time a large amount of money, which our 
authorities have directed him, in conjunction with Capt. Selph, of the Confed- 



erate Army to invest in such articles as they think best, and distribute among^- 
the prisoners. Colonel Sanderson has exhibited a great deal of energy as well 
as discretion as the chief of a board of Federal officers, who have been employed 
in distributing clothing and other things sent through the lines for the prisoners.. 
He has moreover won the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come 
in contact by his frankness and suavity. I could devise no plan for distribu- 
ting the money sent me that would be at all comparable for its success with 
that of confiding it to him, to go along with his large aggregate, and to be 
distributed with his efQcient means, and under his experience and systematic: 

plan. 

* * « » * « « 

Very respectfully. Yours obed't serv't. 

J. A. COWARDIN. 



FEOM J. A. COWARDIN, Esq. 
{Editor of the Richmond Dispatch.) 

Richmond, Va., July 161h, 1865. 

Understanding that Col. James M. Sandehson has been charged with " dis- 
loyalty " to the Federal Government and " cruelty to the enlisted (Union) men 
on Belle Island," &c., I take pleasure in bearing testimony as far as I can, to 
the injustice of these charges. Having myself, at different times, in the Winter 
and Spring of 1864, a large amount of things for distribution among the pris- 
oners on that Island, and being compelled to visit " Libby " frequently for the 
purpose of discharging similar commissions, I very often met with Col. Sander- 
son, who was selected, as I understood, by his fellow-prisoners as principal of a 
board, whose organization was elicited by the Confederate authorities, for the 
purpose of distributing clothing and subsistence sent through the lines by their 
own Government and people for their comfort and sustenance. For very many 
days and for hours tog«ther each day I saw Col. S. engaged in this duty, and 
was struck with the system and order with which the whole matter was done. 
The whole business of enrolling the men, and giving them in order, what each 
was entitled to, was performed in a manner which precluded, as far as I could, 
see or imagine any unfairness ; while the department of Col. S. and the officers 
who aided him, was universally kind and considerate towards the men : I could 
not see how it could be more so ; while the labor of distribution was performed 
with great expedition, often under circumstances of great discomfort to the 
Colonel and his assistants at an inclement season. 

I was often brought in coHipany with the Colonel, conversed with him, and 
heard him converse with others, but never heard him utter a sentiment disloyal 
to his own Government, nor make at any time any concessions from his position 
and fealty as an officer in the Federal Army. He was uniformly courteous and 
polite, and was respected by our soldiers and citizens, but I never heard one 
utter a suspicion of his loyalty to his own Government. Treachery to that or 
his fellow soldier would be utterly irreconcilable with his deportment as far 
as I observed it. 

J. A. COWARDIN. 



XLVI 

STATEMENT OF Lt. B03SIEUX, C..S. A. 

Richmond, July 3, 1865. 
I, Virginias Bossieux, late a Lieutenant in the Confederate army, do hereby 
depose and swear, that I was Commandant of the Prisoners' Camp on Belle 
Island, from June, 1863, to July, 1864, and subsequently. I know Brig.-Gen. 
Neal Dow. He was sent over to the Island to distribute the clothing sent by 
the U. S. Government to the enlisted men there prisoners of War. His manner 
of doing business was so unsystematic and loose that I was forced to ask that 
be might be relieved and others appointed in his place, which was done. The 
first day Gen. Dow made his appearance on the Island, he made a speech to 
them, which raised their expectations so high that, on finding themselves disap- 
pointed, they cnrsed him in the most infamous manner ; and when I remarked 
to him that I had some very bad men there, he replied, '• Yes, they are the rak- 
ings and scrapings of Europe." The officers who succeeded Gen. Dow were 
Col. Cesnola, Lt. Col. Boyd, and Lt. Col. Von Schrader, who went fo work in a 
systematic and organized manner ; their manner of doing business gave very 
general satisfaction. Col. Cesnola, however, for reasons, was relieved, and Lt. 
Col. J. M. Sanderson sent in his place. It was my business to see the members 
of the Commission whenever they came upon the Island. I saw Col. S. on every 
occasion that he visited the Camp, and was cognizant of all his movements — it 
being impossible for him to go or come or circulate beyond a very limited space 
without my permission. I have constantly witnessed his manner towards the 
enlisted men whilst engaged in issuing clothing ; he was not in the habit of ad- 
dressing them with oaths, curses, or bitter revilings. On the contrary, he was 
always kind and considerate, acting, however, with firmness and dignit3^ Both 
Cols. Cesnola and Cols. Von Schrader were in the habit of using strong lan- 
guage to the men — much stronger than Col. Sanderson ; believing, doubtless, 
that such a course was necessary to enforce proper discipline. The prisoners 
were very disrespectful and insubordinate at first, and Col. S. was forced, owing 
to their insulting manner, to adopt such measures as were permitted him to 
suppress their insolence. I have never known him to j>unish a personal insult 
other than by reproof. He did punish two men for drawing clothing from him 
and selling it immediately to the guard. This offence was considered the cause 
of much difficulty ; and, at his request, I caused some of the guard caught in 
the act of buying clothing from the prisoners to be arrested and court- 
martialed. 

Among the prisoners were a number of men of the most depraved and 
wicked character — robbing, ill-treating, and murdering their comrades for the 
sake of plunder. To suppress this gang was a constant study with Col. S., and 
at his suggestion I organized a patrol among the prisoners themselves,'whicb 
had the desired effect. Some of these men were caught in the very act of de- 
spoiling their comrades.; and, at Col. Sanderson's request, I ordered them to be 
bucked. Had they been turned over to the prisoners themselves, they would 
have fared much worse. Col. S. was uniformly courteous and gentlemanly to 
every person connected with the camp ; and, being respected by all, was more 
successful in his efforts to relieve the prisoners than any other Federal officer I 
had any knowledge of. In fact, he never made any suggestion to me that I did 



XLVII 

not cheerfully grant and accede to, if in my povver to grant. I was personally 
cognizant of many acts of kindness and of disinterested friendship on the part 
of Col. S. to the men by advancing them money, preventing them from sacri- 
ficing valuable property, and disposing to the best advantage the proceeds of 
their industry and handiwork. There were no other officers on the Island but 
the officers of the guard and myself. I certainly never reproved Col. S. for his 
treatment to the men, as I considered his conduct to them officer-like and gen- 
tlemanly ; and I do not believe any other officer pretending to any knowledge 
of discipline or subordination, would have done so. I never saw or heard of 
his making sport of the Federal prisonei's for the amusement of Confederate 
officers. On the contrary, I have heard him address strong sympathy and do 
everything in his i:»ower to alleviate their miseries. He has reproved them for 
filthiness, carelessness, or bad conduct to each other ; and, after the first few 
days of his visiting the Island, has compelled them to pay him the respect due 
to his rank and position ; but I never knew him to maltreat or abuse them for 
trivial offences or punish them for neglecting to salute him, nor did I ever know 
or hear of his bucking, gagging, or kicking them for any cause excepting those 
mentioned. In fact, he had not the right to punish any one without my con- 
sent ; nor do I think he ever did so without first stating the case to me and ob- 
taining permission. I have often thought and frequently said to him that he 
submitted to the insolence of some of the enlisted men with more patience than 
they deserved. I never heard of his refusing shoes to barefooted men, nor of 
any one having his feet frozen in consequence of such refusal, nor do I believe 
it. When the men approached him properly and respectfully, I have never 
known him to refuse them, if in his power to oblige them. Many attempts were 
made by the worst portion of them to deceive Col. S., and obtain from him 
articles they had already been furnished with or were not entitled to. A very 
common excuse was that they had been robbed by their companions of their 
coats and blankets, and wanted Col. S. to replace them. This I have known 
him to do in some cases, but generally he refused until every other man was 
served at least once. I never knew or heard of his giving U. S. clothing to any 
person connected with the Confederate service. On the contrary, I have known 
of his refusing such clothing to enlisted men suspected by him of having taken 
the oath of allegiance to the Confederate Government. 

Political or sectional discussions were as a rule forbidden at my table : the 
Federal officers, visiting the Island, were in a measure my guests, and their 
duties compelled them to be there at the time I generally took my dinner. Seats 
were provided for them, and they Avere invariably invited to partake, and out 
of respect to them, all subjects of a disagreeable nature were prohibited. On 
one or two occasions such a discussion did arise, but Col. S. in each instance 
defended the cause of his Government and section respectfully but firmly. 

Col. S., took great pains to make himself acquainted with the wants and 
necessities of the men, and anxious to learn the truth of the many tales told of 
their treatment. He constantly visited the kitchen of the camp, instructing and 
advising the cooks, and frequently inspected the grave-yard where all the men 
dying on the Island were buried, counting the graves, and making his memo- 
randum at every visit. He was always accompanied by one or more Federal 



XLVIII 

officers, fellow-prisoners, to whom every privilege of conversing with the meu^ 
freely and unreservedly, was granted. By every one I ever heard speak of Col.. 
Sanderson, he was regarded as a courteous gentleman, and as far as I could 
judge was as ready to accord to every one due respect, as he was prompt to d.e- 
mand it from them. 

[Signed] VIRGINIUS BOSSIEUX. 

State of Virgi7iia, City of Richmond, to wit : 

This day personally appeared before mo Virginias Bossieux. and made oath, 
that the statement hereunto annexed is true. 
Given under my hand, 
this 5th July, 1865. 

Wii. Taylor. J. P. 



4 



STATEMENT OF Capt. C. McRAE SELPH. 

My name is Colin McRae Selph, I was a Captain, Ass't.-Adj't. General in the 
late Confederate States Army. I was assigned to duty with Gen. Winder in the 
Winter of '03 and '64, and, by him, placed in charge of the supplies which were 
sent from the United States to the prisoners of War in Richmond, and other 
cities of the Confederacy. 

I met Lt.-Col. J. M. Sanderson, who was a prisoner of War in Libby Prison. 
He was at the time of my first meeting with him, engaged in the distribution of' 
clothing, &c., to the prisoners on Belle Isle. 

In organizing a board of Federal officers, which was to assist me in the proper 
distribution of the supplies, I retained all of those who had been acting previ- 
ous to my assignment to duty, adding Lt. Col. Archer, of Ky., because of his 
kindness towards some of my friends inVicksburg. The members of this Board,, 
among whom was Lt. Col. Sanderson, were brought from Libby Prison to my 
office every morning, where a portion remained to distribute the clothing, etc., . 
to the prisoners, and the other portion went to Belle Isle for the same purpose. 
Col. S. took upon himself the more arduous duty of attending to the wantg of , 
the prisoners on BoUe Isle. The Board generally remained out of Libby Prison 
until 6 or 7 o'clock, p. m., or they could return ..to the Prison and leave it at any 
time during the day upon expressing a wish to do so. 

Col. Sanderson often asked and obtained permission for several of his fellow- 
prisoners to accompany him to Belle Isle, thus enabling many to enjoy the 
fresh air, exercise and a change of association. His general character as a , 
courteous gentleman, and his freedom from any selfish spirit, rendered Col. S., . 
respected by all the officers of the Libby Prison. Yet he was looked upon as a , 
staunch loyal man, and expressed his opinii. ns when called upon by the language 
of others, fret ly and boldly. Upon one occasion, in my office, I was forced to , 
order the Lieutenant of the Guard to cease conversation with Col. S., because the ■ 
conversation was not such as sho-ild be held between a. prisoner of War and an , 
officer of theguard. Col. S., was then defending with great force the cause of. 
the Union, and much to the disadvantage of the Lieutenant who was becoming _ 
peiBonal in his remarks. 



XLIX 

I never heard it stated among tlie Confederate authorities that Col. S., had 
given any information or inlimalion of a proposed attempt at escape of his 
fellow-prisoners. If it had been so. I would have known it. On the contrary 
Ikneic it was not Col. Sakdehsox ; but another prisoner who gave all the infor- 
mation that was necessary, especially in the case of a Major (While, I believe,) 
who escaped by going with the Surgeons, but was biought back from City 
Point. Col. S. frequently expressed to me his sentiments, and I believe tliat he 
reposed the fullest confidence in me. He was, as a gentleman, opposed to the 
violent voluntary expression of political opinions in his intercourse with the 
Confederate cflficers, but I have seen him frequently drawn out, and have in- 
duced him to .^peak myself, but in all his conversations he firmly and ably de- 
fended his actions and the cause of his Government. I have never beard him 
express any but the most loyal seetimtnts, and have thought, as did other 
Confederate officers, that he was the truest Union man that we had met. In all 
of his meetings with several of his old friends Col. S. expressed his firm Union 
sentiments, and opposition to the South and Secession. 

It would have been impossible for Col. S. to have had any communication, 
with any of the principal officers of the Confederate Government, without my 
knowledge, and I am certain that he had no intimacy with any of them, and 
that individually he received no favors from them ; I am personally cognizant 
ef the fact, that permission was refused him to accept the hospitalities which 
were tendered to him by an old friend on Christmas Day, 1863. 

I tvas severely reprimanded by Gen. Winder for my course towards Col. S. 
and the other members of the Board with whom I held some feelings of esteem 
and friendship ; a feeling which is not impossible for even enemies to entertaiti. 
Col. Sanderson did not receive any favors or privileges other than those which 
were incident to his official position or which were accorded to the other mem- 
bers of the Board, indeed Col. S. did not receive as many as the other members 
of the Board, because he was at Belle Isle during most of the time. I do not 
know that Col. F. ever applied for or received any particular personal favors 
from others, ftom myself he never asked and never accepted any, but he made 
many applications iu favor of his companions, and frequently obtained special 
priuleges for his fellow-prisoners from myself, such as the delivery of private 
boxes, Ac. when the distribution was suspended by order of Gen. Winder, and 
furnishing those who received none from home, with provisions from the con- 
fiscated goods. 

The distribution of clothing and other supplies which were sent by the U. S; 
and the Sanitary and other Commissions, was under my control, and Col. ^. 
could not have appropriated or disposed of any of them without my consent or 
the knowledge of the detectives of Gen. Winder. Gen. Winder, no matter how 
censurable he may have been in other respects, was too honest to have per- 
mitted anything of the kind, and would certainly have known it. 

I remember that it was owing entirely to Col. Sanderson's representations 
that the boxes of Gen'l Neal Dow were delivered at all, and his representations 
and refusal to take his own boxes until their boxes were delivered, induced me 
to deliver the boxes of Gen'l Scammon, Col. Streight and Col.Cesnola. Col. S. 
on two occasions requested and obtained the delivery of boxes for Dow and 



S'treight, when the delivery of boxes was suspended by order of Gld. Windej* 
I. in those cases, took the responsibility. 

I am confident that no member of the Board sought or obtained as many 
special favors for his fellow prisoners as did Cul. Sandkksox, or that they did 
more to ameliorate their condition. Yet I must express my esteem for every 
member— they conducted themselves with great courtesy, and gave me great 
assistance. 

I certify on honor that the above statement is true. 

C. McRAE SELPH, 

Capt. d- A. A. G., late C. S. A. 



Brookltx, 20lh March, 1865. 

Brig. Gen'l J. C. Cai.dwell, 

Pres't Military Commission.'' 

General : I have the honor to forward you two original letters written by 
me, whilst in Libby prison, to my family in New-York. 

My object in placing before you these letteis is to show : 

1st. The mental difSculties and private griefs I wns laboring under at the very 
moment I was charged with having disclosed our jjlan of escape. 

2d. To prove where I drew all the luxuries and conveniences of my mess 
which have been charged against me, by my enemies, as coming from rebel 
sources; 

3d. To establish the date of my visit to the hospital, about which there 
appears to be some discrepancy between Capt. Fentress, and Col. Fisher. This 
ia of importance to show that Neal Dow, who arrived, according to his own 
statement at Portland, from Mobile about the latter part of October, could not 
have been present at an incident occuring not later than the 21st. My own 
impression is that he did not reach Libby until the 2Sth or 29lh of October. 

4th. To prove that in the midst of my personal griefs and discomforts, I was 
still resigned to the action of my Government, and did not fear to say so, 
although I knew that every letter was subject to the scrutiny of the Confeder- 
ates. 

The friend referred to as having sent me some dainties was a brother hotel- 
keeper, who 1 had known in Baltimore. This was the only instance of such 
kindness to me during my whole stn}-. 

Very respectfully, &c., 

JAMES M. SANDERSON. 



COPY OF A LETTER FROM LIBBY. 

Ln r,Y, Octobei' 6th, 1SC3. 
Yesterday the letters per last 'flag of tiuc«" were deliveied, but none fiom 
my darling child, and no news of her dear mother. "Whui ihe last nan.e ;'s read 
and your own is u' heard, there crnies ovrr the heart a chilly coldness, hard to 



LI 

describe, but bitter to feel; and when you look around and see the triumphant 
and glad smile of the fortunate, one seems inclined to do or say something very 
malicious, or A'ery sentimental. The only thing that tempers my thoughts just 
now, however, is the hope that the worst has not, as yet, befallen me, and that 
I can still think of your darling mother as being with and near you. And yet 
the state in which you describe her is heartrending and painful, bearing with it 
the consciousness that your loss is her gain. May God give her strength to bear 
bravely her burden. I see no prospects of an exchange this winter, and, in 
fact, it has been intimated to us to provide ourselves as soon as possible with 
every needed requirement for shielding us from the rigors of the coming season, 
J have written, some time ago, for some necessaries, but fear the letter has mis- 
carried. I require immediately, warm underclothing, undershirts, drawers, 
stockings, warm mitts ; fur-lined slippers with stout soles, and if there be any 
warm, thick coat among my old clothes, send it along. My fur-cap is in Wash- 
ington, if not put it in the box; also an old-fashioned magnifying or "burning 
glass,-' the German are the cheapest, about 2 or 2J inches in diameter; a pint 
of alchohol, with an ounce of camphor dissolved in it ; a cake of camphor ice ; 
a very small pair of dividers or compasses ; another pair of liiinen drawers — 
they are good to sleep in — and if there be any silk undershirts or di-awers 
among my stock send them along. By all means send me a canvass hammock, 
complete with slings and heavy iron hooks. Send ma monthly, with bill, the 
articles enum 'rated on the other side. If Leonard wants money to pur- 
chase anything for me, I have requested him to draw on your husband. Give 
him my love and tell him to honor the drafts. With many kisses to your dear 
mamma, jf she still lives, and for yourself, I am as ever. 

Your dearest papa, 

JAMES M. SANDERSON. 
Mrs. J. A. Hewlett, 

82 Wall Street, New- York. 

5 lbs. Coff.'C, ground; 10 fbs. Whit 3 Su?ar; 10 fts. Brown Sugar; 5 ibi 
American Cheese; 10 lbs. Butter in tin cans; ^ doz. Currant Jelley in tumb- 
lers; 1 doz. cans Condensed Milk; 1 doz. cans assorted Meats; 1 doz. cans 
assorted Vegetables; 1 bottle Worcestershire Sauce; 1 bottle English Mustard; 
1 jar of Preserves ; ^ doz. Lemons ; 1 quire Letter Paper and Envelopes ; J doz. 
Essences (or Coolcing; 6 doz. box. Parafine Candles and Matches; ^ doz. best 
Syrup or Maple Molasses ; Bed Bug Killer ; 3 Soup Plates, 1 dinner Plate, Iron- 
stone or China ; 2 Table Cloths, 4 ft. square. 



'• LiBBT,"' 14 Oct., 18G3. • 

My Dear Children : 

Your joint note of Sept. 27 and Oct. 1, reached ms last week. I am greatly 
delighted to know my letter reached your dear mamma in time. My pain at 
bearing of your marriage was of course due to my forbodiugs for her health, 
for had she been well, and such an incident occur, of course, I should have 



LII 

known that some proi)er reason influenced it. I dont remember of ber ever 
being wrong in an event of such magnitude. A quarter of a century has 
elapsed since our wedding day, and a most momentous era it has been not only 
for us, but for the world at large. Rumors are constantly reaching us as to 
exchanges, and I have been constantly buoyed up with the hopes of release in 
time to see her before her release from tliis earth and its pain, bvit I have now 
ceased to hope, and await with quiet resignation the decision of my Government 
quite satisfied to remain, if, by so doing, I fill the measure of my duty. The 
authorities here have lately greatly ameliorated our condition and improved our 
accomodations, especially the hospital department. To-day I have been the 
recipient of some dainties from an old friend of years gone by, and am anxious 
to re'.urn it. and know of nothing better than a couple of pounds of tea, which 
costs here something fabulous. Have it put in the first box. I began to fear my 
letters were destroyed, but your announcement of the receipt of those of 7 and 
8th Sept., reassure me, and I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the box, 
having just reached the end of my coffee, sugar, milk and everything in fact, 
but my tea. For three days past I have been quite ill, but am now quite re- 
covered. Don't foi-get the hammock, subjoined is a list of a few additional 
articles I require. AVilh my deepest love, and constant prayers, as ever. 

Your Father, 

J. M. SANDERSON. 

1 Bottle Velpeau'.s remedy lor rheunuitism; 1 Paper Tacks; 1 Small Hammer 
or Hatchet ; 2 Camel's Hair Brushes ; 5 Bt). Italian Macaroni ; Paper of Court- 
Plaster ; A small Spiing Balance ; Camphor Ice. 



Octv«ber 20, in pencil. 
1 have just i ©covered fiom another severe co]d,"which sent me to the hospital, 
whence I have just returnel. I am anxiously awaiting a letter or a box, 
especially the hammock. J. M. S, 

Jeod me some Ma$k, let it be strong,— lice dont like it. 



October 23. 
Your letters of Oct. and 9. just received, but uo b-.).f as yet gre;itly to my 
discomfort. Will write ajain shortly. J. M. S. 



LIII 



OFFICERS ADDRESSED, 
FROM WHOM NO EEPLY HAS BEEN RECEIVED. 



Lt. Cul. S. M. Archer. ITih Iowa— 2 letters. 

Col. W. B. McCreery, 21st Micbicaa— 2 lettei s. 

Lt. Col. H. B. Hunter, 123(1 Ohio— declines answeiing. 

Lt. Col. J. F. Boyd, Q. M. Army of the Ohio— 2 letters. 

Lt. Col. A. Von Schrader, A. I. Q., 14th Army Corp — declines answering. 

Lt. Col. A. F. Von Milzel, 74th Pennsylvania -1 letter. 

Capt. F. E. Wentworth, C. S.— reply miscarried. 

Lt. W. C. Robin.son, 34th Illinois — declines answering. 

Brig. Gen. E. P. Scammon — 1 letter. 

Lt. Col. E. L. Hays, 100th Ohio— 1 letter. 

Lt. W. F. Randolph. 5th United States Artillery— 3 letters. 

Col. "W. F. Wilson, 123d Ohio— 1 letter. 

Lt. Col. J. P. Spoflford, 97ih New- York— 3 letters. 

Capt. Thomas Haggins, 59th New-York — 3 letters. 

Lt. C<d. A. P. Henry, 15th Kentucky— 1 letter. 

Lt, Col. W. B. Neeper, 57th Pennsylvania — 3 letters. 

Major S. Mclrvin, 2d New-York Cavalry — 1 letter. 

Col. C. H. Carlton, 89th Ohio— 1 letter. 

Capt. J. H. Whelan, Ass't Adj't Gen'l,— 2 letters. 

Major W. D. Morton, 14th New-York Cavalry — reply miscarried. 

Capt. Thomas Cnmmings, 19tli U. S. Inf. — 2 letters 

Capt. W. H. Douglas, C. S.— 2 letters. 

Major E. M. Pope, Ass't Insp. Gen'l — 3 letters. 

Capt. Fred. Barton— 2 letters. 

Lieut. Ira Tyler, 5th Maryland — 1 letter. 

Lieut. John Fg;in — 1 letter. 

Lieut. Butler Coles, 2d N. Y. Cav.— 1 letter. 

Isaac Johnson, Eng., U. S. Navy — 1 letter. 

Lieut. A. W. Sprague, 24th Michigan — 1 letter. 

Capt. F. Memmert, 5th Maryland — 2 letters. 

Major Josiah Hall, 1st Vermont Cav. — 1 letter. 

Capt. Czsbad, Aid-de-Camp— 1 letter. 

Lt. Col. J. N. Walker, 73d Indiana— 1 letter. 

Lieut. M. Kupp, 167th Pennsylvania — 1 letter. 

Capt. W. M. Cockrum, 42d Indiana— 1 letter. 

Adj't M. R. Small, Gth Maryland— 1 letter. 

Lieut. S. S. Holbrook, loth U. S. Inf.- 1 letter. 

Capt. John Duly. I04th Neir-York— 1 letter. 



LIT 



John Y. Goodrich, 13th Mass.~4 letters. 

Capt. J. C. Meagher, 40th Ohio— 1 letter. 

Capt. J. A. Johnson, 11th Kentucky — 1 letter. 

Capt. Thomas Reed, 1st. Virginia Inf. — 2 letters. 

Capt. Horace Noble, 9 th Maryland — 1 letter. 

Chaplain 0. Taylor, Pontiac. Michigan — 1 letter. 

Lt. Wm. Blanchard, 2d U. S. Cavalry— 1 letter. 

Rev. H. W. Bellows, President Sanitary Commission — declines answering 

Lt. C. G. A. Peterson, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry — declines answering. 

Capt. W. M. Beeraan, 1st Vermont Cavalry — 1 letter. 

Chaplain McCabe. Christain Commission — 1 letter. 

Lt. Geo. A. Peering, ICth Maine — 1 letter. 

Private W. W. Spragiie, 37 Essex St., Boston — 1 letter. 

Lt. H. S. Piatt. .5th Maryland— 1 letter. 

Lt. Col. G. Von Helmricb, 21st Missouri Cavalry — 1 letter. 

Major Beers, — 1 letter. 

Col. G. C. Joslin, 15th Massachusetts — 1 letter. 

Lt. Gorgas, 90th Pennsylvania — 1 letter. 

Lt. S, G. Davis, 1st Massachusetts Cavalry — 2 letters, 






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